How to get here

How to get here

UPDATE: Highway 89 from Flagstaff to Page has been repaired and is open to all traffic.

https://www.kpho.com/story/22806330/us-89-reopens-in-northern-arizona

Directions to Horseshoe Bend from Page, AZ

From Page, AZ drive south on Highway 89 to between mileposts 544 & 545. Look for the exit lane and prominent dirt road on the west side of the road which you can drive a short distance on to the parking area.

Page is serviced by regional commuter flights through Great Lakes Aviation. They have flights from Los Angeles, Denver, and Phoenix. You can then rent a car from the only car rental business at the airport, Avis.

My boyfriend and I are planning to go to Phoenix from April 19th to April 22th. We are planning to visit the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas. Our itinerary will be:
-Driving from Phoenix to Sedona on Thursday and spend overnight there.
-On Friday we want to go for a paid tour to the GC and come back to Sedona.
-Saturday we want to go to visit the Red Rocks in the morning and then drive to the horseshoe and spend the night at Page
-Sunday we will come back from Page to Phoenix
We are mainly driving everywhere but obviously willing to walk, no problem.
Can you tell us if this itinerary sounds reasonable? Or can you give us some suggestions?

Hi Yvonne, and thank you for visiting us today!
It takes approximately 2 hours to drive from Phoenix to Sedona, so if you can make an early start there, you might get some sightseeing in that day. Regarding your day to go to the Grand Canyon, you don’t necessarily have to take a guided tour, you can drive there on your own, although at ~2.5 hours each way, I can totally understand that letting someone else do the driving might be nice for a change! A better plan, though? Drive to the Grand Canyon, spend the night there, then drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page. Visiting Grand Canyon South Rim
On the day that you have alloted to drive to Page, keep in mind it takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Sedona to Page, IF you drive direct, which rarely happens. There are places you’ll no doubt want to stop at on the way, including, but not limited to, Wupatki/Sunset Crater National Monument, the Cameron Trading Post, the Marble Canyon Viewpoint on “the Cut” (portion of US89 that climbs the side of a mesa just South of Page). Horseshoe Bend is easy enough to hit on the way into Page. I note that Antelope Canyon is absent from your itinerary. If that is unintentional, you should really try to free up enough time to accommodate it. Tours should be booked in advance, as this attraction is extremely popular. How To Book A Tour Of Antelope Canyon
The drive back to Phoenix from Page takes approximately 4.5 hours driving direct.
Hope that helps. Have a great visit!
Alley 🙂

Is it possible to cover these points of attraction 2D1N from :
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim
Overnight in Page
Continue next morning to Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon + Monument Valley
Back to, Las Vegas?

Hi Tjia, the second part of your probably too tough. If you did Horseshoe Bend and Antelope, it would be difficult to leave Page before 10am-noon. From Page to Monument Valley back to Las Vegas would be about 8 hours of driving, not including the time you spend in Monument Valley. You might consider adding Zion instead of Monument Valley, because it is on your way back to Vegas.

Hi! What would you think about a hike like this.. leaving vegas at 7am – arriving for a 1:30pm tour at the antelope canyon.. then getting to the horseshoe bend around 330/4 (spending like an hour and a half there) then going to the south rim for the sunset. do you think we would make it? thanks!

Hi Hazel,
That itinerary is very possible, but it is a lot of driving. It would wind up being about 7-8 hours of driving. Depending on the time of year, sunset at the South Rim may or may not be possible.

Los Angeles to Horseshoe Bend would be about a 9-12 hour drive, depending on where in LA and traffic. You could also fly to Las Vegas and rent a car, or fly directly to Page via Phoenix. You could also take a train to Flagstaff and rent a car.

At the end of the trail, it becomes slick rock and you can easily navigate north and south to get different viewpoints of the Colorado river and Horseshoe Bend. Most people will just stay around the apex, so it is worth it just to get some space.

Hello! I am looking for a top line tour of the Grand Canyon. Beginning from 11a – 11a next day. I want to see as much as I can but have no idea where to begin. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

We are wanting to visit the Horseshoe bend for our son’s 11th bday we would like to rent an affordable cabin where would you suggest us to for cabins or recommend any nice reasonable hotels we planning on visiting in September
Thanks!!

Hi Jennifer,
The 3rd and 4th week of September is traditionally a slower time of year. Prices can be lower during this time.
There are no cabins in Page, but the city approved vacation home rentals a few years ago and it can be a great option if you are travelling with more two people or would like a kitchen and living area. Check out vrbo.com for local homes available for rent.

I’m coming from Hollywood, Los Angeles and was planning for labor day sept 2016 driving out to Page Arizona to see the horshoe bend and the antelope lower canyon. I’m planning to spend the night so which one should I drive to first?

Hi Gigi,
Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are only about 10 minutes from each other so they are logistically very easy. If you are concerned with photography, you should look at this page that shows how Horseshoe Bend looks at different times of the day. If photography is not the primary concern, I would do Antelope Canyon first and then Horseshoe Bend, because the tours for Antelope Canyon stop early afternoon, and sunset is a little cooler in temps for Horseshoe Bend.
Antelope Canyon will be about 10-15 degrees colder than the temperature outside the canyon.
Hope that helps!
Ryan

Hi! I would like to save money & see if I can take a family trip to go see antelope canyon & horseshoe bend from Las Vegas.
Can you suggest a cheap tour guide for the antelope canyon?!
Will it be safe for my 6, 3 yr olds & 7 month (w/ carrier) old?
Does it matter if I start w/ upper/lower canyons? I have a fear of heights… (Will the drive make me crazy?)
Is there a trail at the horseshoe bend where we are close to the lake? Water surrounding it?!
Thanks for your help!!!

Hi Gia,
The tours are roughly the same price, since they are all operated with permission from the Navajo Nation. The first thing you should look for is which company is going during the time spot you want. Each company is assigned different times.

Antelope Canyon is very safe, but if you are carrying a child it would be easier to do Upper Canyon since it does not have any stairs. Lower Canyon might be difficult because of that.

There are no heights on the drive, other then driving across a short bridge if you cross the canyon.

Horseshoe Bend is less than 10 miles from both Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon. However, Horseshoe Bend is south of Glen Canyon Dam, so it overlooks the Colorado River not Lake Powell which is formed by the Colorado River backing up against the dam. If you wanted to overlook the lake, just a few miles north is the Carl Hayden visitor center which is a great overlook and has some fun activities for kids. They might also enjoy the tour of the Dam.

we are visiting Las Vegas around thanksgiving this year and wanting to drive to Grand Canyon, after doing some research it looks like South Rim is pretty much our only choice. But found Horseshoe Bend and wondering if we could do Horseshoe and then on to the South Rim in time for sunset? my husband and I have been to the GC but friends traveling with us really want to go as they have never been. we have never been to Horseshoe Bend and thought it would be nice to go straight there and then on to GC but not sure how much time it would take including drive time. if need be we will just go to GC this trip and do the Horseshoe on the next one.

Hi Casey,
I think that sounds like a lot of driving if you are trying to do it as a day trip. Horseshoe Bend is about 2.5 hours from the South Rim. Many people will do it as a loop from Las Vegas, going from Vegas to Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Bend / Antelope Canyon, then Zion then back to Vegas.

If you really wanted to, you could drive 4.5 hours to Horseshoe Bend, hike it, and then go to the South Rim, but that is a lot of driving. I think you should either do one or the other, or stay an extra night.

Hi,
I want to stay in Page and like to visit upper antelope, lower antelope and horseshoe band in a single day and then back to Las Vegas to catch our flight at night. Does it sound like feasible plan
I saw few tour operator cover upper antelope but not horse shoe band and lake powell and lower antelope.
If they are covering all these places it is either from sedona or flagstaff not from page itself.

Dear Purbali,
If you absolutely have to visit Horseshoe Bend, plus Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon, and head back to Las Vegas that night, I strongly recommend getting a very early start on your activities. It takes fully 4.5 hours to drive from Page to Las Vegas and for your safety, we do not recommend driving at night.
The reason you do not see tour operators doing this itinerary out of Page is because most visitors drive here in their own vehicle or by rental car and all of these destinations are within relatively close proximity of one another. There is no bus or train service to Page, so if can’t get here by car, you’ll have to sign on with a tour company that offers multi-day tours such as this one ->: https://www.viator.com/tours/Las-Vegas/3-Day-National-Parks-Camping-Tour-Grand-Canyon-Zion-Bryce-Canyon-and-Monument-Valley-from-Las-Vegas/d684-5602GCZMV_3D
Good luck!
Alley

Hi there, Planning going to AZ 3 weeks from now for 5-6 days.Landing in Phoenix driving straight to either sedona or flagstaff.Haven’t decided which one to use as a base will like to do some hiking before GC. Then go to GC and horseshoe/antelope and maybe go to Utah if possible coral pink sand dunes.For the antelope canyon it can only be tour with a company or can it be self guided?Also any idea what else to do besides sand dunes once in Utah close to border of AZ?thanks!!

Hi Al, you can call me Al, too 😉
With 5-6 days to work with, I strongly advise dialing back your itinerary just a bit. First off, I don’t recommend using one place as a “base” if you can possibly help it. Due to the driving distances involved, you’ll want to transition every couple of days for the best quality experience.
If you want to do some hiking before Grand Canyon South Rim, Sedona is a good place to do just that. There’s a lot to see and do there, so I recommend devoting at least 2 days to it.
Then, head to Grand Canyon South Rim for at least one night, then Page/Lake Powell for 2 nights. With an early enough start (it takes 2.5 hours to drive from Grand Canyon to Page), you can hit Horseshoe Bend on your way into town, then take a tour of Antelope Canyon later in the day.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes is up near Kanab, UT. If you stay for a second night in Page, you might be able to manage it, but it is about 1 hour and 45 minutes each way to get there.
It then takes about 4.5 hours to drive from Page to Phoenix.
Good luck and have a great trip!
Alley

Could you please suggest if you think this plan will work.
Could you please also suggest if December is a right time to visit Lake Powell and if we can fit it somewhere in our plan?.
Also, if you have any suggestions where to stay 5th night.

Please feel free to suggest any other plans.
Thank you so much for your time and help ! 🙂

Hi Shruta –
Your ideal itinerary requires a little modification.
First of all, trying to experience Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon in a single day is a bit too much to take on. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon, then a further 3 hours to drive from Bryce Canyon to Page. That doesn’t allow enough time to enjoy either area in earnest, especially during the month of December when days are so short. Plus, Zion is a really big park and warrants at least 2 days time. I know that’s not always manageable, but I recommend at least taking Bryce off the table.
Regarding the drive from Grand Canyon South Rim (and yes, we suggest overnighting there, see here for hotel information ->: https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/south-rim-hotels/ ) to Las Vegas via the Grand Canyon Skywalk, here again, you’re looking at a LOT of driving. It takes about 5 hours to drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Grand Canyon West, then another 2 hours to drive from Grand Canyon West to Las Vegas. If you’re really wanting to see the Grand Canyon Skywalk, I’d recommend doing a tour from Las Vegas during one of your days there. This can be done in just half a day’s time with a tour such as this one ->: https://grandcanyon.com/tours/west-tours/grand-celebration-skywalk-and-boat/
Have a great trip!
Alley

Dear Phyllis,
Thank you for writing, that’s an excellent question.
If you’re referring to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, you would probably want to have someone handy to assist you as the trail to Horseshoe Bend especially has a short uphill incline at the beginning, and can be quite sandy in some areas. Ditto for Antelope Canyon. Regarding Antelope Canyon, you would want to experience Upper Antelope Canyon as it is a relatively short and flat trail. Lower Antelope requires navigating some stairs and around a few boulders. We would also recommend contacting the tour operators in advance of your arrival to let them know that you have a power chair so they can accommodate you accordingly.
Good luck and have fun!
Alley

We are planning to see the New Year festivities in Vegas. Our plan is like this, We want to see Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon and then head to Vegas. We are planning to finish the AZ places and reach Vegas by 30th December afternoon. Hence what are your suggestions??

Coming from the Los Angeles/Anaheim area, you can enjoy many attractions in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah depending on the time of year you’re traveling and the number of days you have to work with.
We suggest starting with Grand Canyon South Rim. It is possible to drive there in a day from Anaheim, but it takes about 7 hours. If you wish to break the drive up, perhaps consider overnighting in Las Vegas on your first day. You’ll want to stay overnight at Grand Canyon South Rim to enjoy sunrise and sunset on the rim.
Then plan to head to Page/Lake Powell from Grand Canyon South Rim via the Desert View/East Rim Drive. There are several beautiful viewpoints you can stop at along the way. Plan to visit the Cameron Trading Post for at least a bathroom break, but if you have more time, enjoy lunch there! About 5 miles South of the town of Page, you’ll find the Horseshoe Bend Overlook on the left hand side of the highway. Stay overnight in Page, then after a leisurely morning, take a tour of Antelope Canyon.
If you have time, plan to visit Zion National Park in Utah upon leaving Page. It’s a big park, so it warrants 2 days of your time at the very least.
From there, Las Vegas is an easy 3-hour drive.
Have fun!
Alley

Dear Dee,
Merry belated Christmas!
All National Parks and Monuments are open on Christmas Day, however, Antelope Canyon tour operations may be closed so the employees may enjoy the day with their families.
Hope that helps,
Alley

Hi Pragya, sorry, but dogs are not allowed at Antelope Canyon (with the exception of ADA-certified service dogs). However, dogs are allowed at other Page area attractions, such as Horseshoe Bend Overlook. They must be kept on a leash and you should be prepared to bring water for your dog as this is a dry, desert area. If you’re visiting during the summer months, the sand can get very hot, so if your dog exhibits signs of discomfort, you should be prepared to get her out of the area.
There is a nice fenced dog run at Golliard Park next to the Page Municipal Airport. You might also take a walk along the rim trail which circles Manson Mesa and has some great views of Lake Powell. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/page-rimview-trail If your dog likes to swim, I would recommend taking her to Lone Rock Beach, which is near the Arizona/Utah border. Again, dogs must be leashed in all of these areas.
Hope that helps – have fun!

Hi i am planning to do a GC, HorseShoe, Antelope and Zion. I want to start from Las vegas (start Tuesday morning) and drive back to LA (by thursday night) covering above points. I have booked 2 night stay at south rim (in one of the lodges there). WHat should be the ideal itinerary?
I am thinking: Tuesday morning start from LV -> drive to Antelope/HorseShoe and then back to south rim
next day start from south rim to sedona/zion and back.
Thursday afternoon start from southrim back to LA. ( got a good deal at the lodge at the rim hence booked two nights).
Is that an optimal itinerary? anything else, i could cover in these days?

Hi Jay, thanks for writing!
With only two days to work with, this itinerary is extremely rushed. It’s going to have you doing a lot of driving and very little enjoying of the attractions you wish to see. You’re going to need to trim your “wish list” down, and I suggest starting with Zion and Sedona. You simply don’t have enough time to include them.
What I would recommend is focusing your energies on enjoying Grand Canyon South Rim, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Hang on to your two nights booking at Grand Canyon National Park Lodges. Get an early start out of Las Vegas on Tuesday morning. It takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim. After getting checked in at the hotel, utilize the free shuttles to explore Grand Canyon Village Historic District and the Hermit’s Rest/West Rim Drive. Perhaps enjoy dinner at the El Tovar Hotel (reservations required) or the Arizona Room (first-come/first-served).
The next morning, get up nice and early and get ready to experience the Canyon River Adventure tour! This exciting all-day tour begins with a scenic sunrise flight over the Eastern portion of the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Upon landing at the Page Municipal Airport, you’ll then be picked up by safari jeeps for a 90-minute tour of Upper Antelope Canyon, after which you’ll be dropped at the offices of Colorado River Discovery for a 1/2-day Smooth Water Float Trip through beautiful Glen Canyon! At the conclusion of the float trip, you’ll be transported by coach back to Grand Canyon National Park Airport. For more information on the tour, click here ->: https://horseshoebend.com/scenic-canyon-river-adventure/ ***The Canyon River Adventure is offered March 1st through October 31st***
Good luck and have fun!
Alley

I have family coming to visit at the end of January, and we were hoping to make a roadtrip through Arizona. The plan is to visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and stay the night in Williams, then visit Horseshoe Bend and stay at Page City for one night, and then finally visit Antelope Canyon before driving to St. George for one night. From there we would head back to Las Vegas. Do you know what the road conditions are like for our route around that time of the year? Will we need anything special like snow chains? Also, I’ve read that visitors to Antelope Canyon need to have licensed tour guides to enter, is this true? Thanks for your help!

Hi Betty, apologies that we were not able to respond to your inquiry sooner. We hope you had a fun trip in the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell area.
For those contemplating wintertime visits to the Southwest US, especially Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, snow is a very real possibility at this time of year. Though road closures do not occur often, they can be expected in the middle of an active storm pattern. As for whether you’ll need snow chains, rental car outlets forbid customers from using them. If you’re driving your own vehicle, it’s not a bad idea to have them, IF YOU KNOW HOW TO USE THEM. If not, don’t bother. Just be prepared to shift your trip plans if you get detoured or delayed by bad weather. Check http://www.az511.com before setting out.
Regarding Antelope Canyon, yes, a licensed guide is required for entry. Tours are offered from the town of Page, AZ, or can be obtained at the Tribal Park entrance gate on Highway 98.
Have fun!

I am trying to plan a trip to Horseshoe Bend, and will be traveling with my dog. Is this trip doable with a dog? I would hate to come all the way up and not be able to see anything because I have her with me. And what other attractions are dog friendly?

Hi Kelli, that is a really good question! Yes, dogs are allowed at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. They must be kept on a leash and you should be prepared to bring water for your dog as this is a dry, desert area. If you’re visiting during the summer months, the sand can get very hot, so if your dog exhibits signs of discomfort, you should be prepared to get her out of the area. There is a nice fenced dog park at Golliard Park next to the Page Municipal Airport. You might also take a walk along the rim trail which circles Manson Mesa and has some great views of Lake Powell. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/page-rimview-trail If your dog likes to swim, I would recommend taking her to Lone Rock Beach, which is near the Arizona/Utah border. Again, dogs must be leashed in all of these areas.
Hope that helps – have fun!

Hi Irma, thank you for your question. Quartzite is closest to Horseshoe Bend – if you can call a 6-hour one-way drive “close” LOL Map ->: https://goo.gl/maps/cxpz3mRqbhq
Due to the distance, we recommend staying overnight in Page, AZ, the town where Horseshoe Bend Overlook is located. There are many hotels to choose from, ranging from economy class (Motel 6, Super 8, EconoLodge) to higher end (Marriott, Hampton, etc.) and everything in between. For more information on lodging in Page AZ, visit this link and scroll down to the section on Page, AZ hotels ->: https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/east-hotels-1/
So are you going to Quartzite for the rock and gem show? Have a wonderful time!

I am planning on making a trip this weekend to see Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, would you agree that the weather should be ok? And do you have to go on a tour in order to see Antelope Canyon or can you go on the hikes alone?

Dear Rondi,
Hello and that’s a very good question! It takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive from Las Vegas, Nevada to Page, Arizona, where Horseshoe Bend is located. Due to the distance, you’ll have a better quality experience if you plan to stay overnight in Page, AZ. Page, AZ has many hotels to choose from in a variety of price ranges from budget (Super 8, Motel 6, Econo Lodge, etc.) to higher end properties (Hampton, Marriott). For more information on lodging in the area, visit this page and scroll down to the section on Page, AZ. https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/east-hotels-1/
Good luck and have fun!

Dear Chandra,
Hello and thank you for your inquiry. Knowing a little more about your overall trip plan would help us advise you best. For example, are you coming to the area from Las Vegas or Phoenix? Since Las Vegas is a popular “staging” city for vacationers to this area, I’ll assume that you’re coming from there.
In which case, I would advise this:
Day 1: Drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park (approx 3 hours), stay overnight
Day 2: 2nd overnight in Zion National Park
Day 3: Drive from Zion NP to Page, AZ (approximately 2.5 hours) in the morning, visit Antelope Canyon at mid-day (approximately 2 hours), Horseshoe Bend Overlook in the afternoon (approximately 1 hour), stay overnight
Day 4: Make day trip to Monument Valley (2 hour drive each way), 2nd overnight in Page.
Day 5: Drive back to Las Vegas (5 hours)
Notice I have not included The Wave in this trip plan. That’s because this area requires a permit to visit, and they are extremely hard to obtain.
I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to comment again if you have further questions.

LA,
Hello and thank you for your question. RV’s can be accommodated at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook parking lot. However, do not be surprised to find it full during peak travel periods and popular viewing hours, which are between 9 AM and 5 PM. You might be pleased to know that there are restrooms available at the parking lot should you need them. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes for walking and to carry water as this is a dry desert environment.

Hi Diane,
Horseshoe Bend is approximately 10 miles from Lake Powell Resort & Marina, just South of the town of Page. There is no mass transit or bus service in the area, but there is a taxi service called Buggy Taxi. Their phone # is 928-645-6664.
Another option is to reach out to your tour company. Many tour companies recognize that the Horseshoe Bend Overlook is a “must-see” attraction for many Lake Powell area visitors. They may already be planning a stop there.
A third option is to fly over Horseshoe Bend with Grand Canyon Airlines from Page Municipal Airport. The airline may be able to offer a pickup for a small fee. https://horseshoebend.com/see-horseshoe-bend-air/
Hope that helps!
Alley

Hi Tess, and thank you for visiting our site.
I’ve got 3 words for your itinerary on Day 1: too much driving! The trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South rim takes 4.5 hours minimum. Tack another hour onto that if you want to stop and see Hoover Dam. The drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page takes 2.5 hours, but there again, it rarely ends up being that length of time because there are many beautiful viewpoints one can stop at along the way. Then, you’ll need to get to the marina by 4:30 PM at the latest in order to check in for the Lake Powell Boat Tour. Depending on where it’s taking place from (Lake Powell or Antelope Point Marina?), it’s anywhere from 15-30 minutes drive from the town of Page itself.
As to your itinerary on Day 2, it takes approximately 5 hours to drive from Page to Las Vegas via the most direct route. At Horseshoe Bend, there is no tour that takes you up to the overlook, you just go at your leisure. The hike is approximately 3/4 of a mile each way. Because Horseshoe Bend is located 5 miles South of the town of Page on Highway 89, you might be able to stop there on your way to town prior to arrival, depending, of course, on how good of time you manage to make.
But again, that first day’s itinerary, in our honest opinion, is a little too ambitious.
An alternative you might consider is simply staying at Grand Canyon South Rim for 2 days’ time and on your second day, take the Scenic Canyon River Adventure tour. Consisting of an early morning flight over the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, a jeep tour of Upper Antelope Canyon, and a half-day float trip through Glen Canyon, this 3-in-1 combination tour includes all round-trip transportation, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. After all, isn’t that what coming here was all about? For more information on the Scenic Canyon River Adventure, click here ->: https://horseshoebend.com/scenic-canyon-river-adventure/
Good luck and happy travels!
Alley

Hi, We are planning a trip to Antelope Canyon, Horshoe bend, Glen Canyon. I know, we have to book a guided tour for Antelope canyon, but can we do Horseshoe bend and Glen Canyon on our own? Once we pay the $8.00 park entrance fee along with the Antelope canyon tour, do we have any more entrance fees, parking fees etc to pay for Glen canyon and Horseshoe bend? Also, do you have a suggestion for the best tour company to go with for the Antelope canyons?
Thanks,
Madhumati

Good morning Madhumati and thank you for visiting our site.
In regards to entrance fees, you do not have to pay one to go to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. If you wish to enter Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to see Lake Powell or take a boat tour, you do have to pay an entrance fee of $25 per vehicle, which is good for 7 days’ time.
If you plan to visit other National Parks in the Southwest US, such as Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, etc., consider purchasing an “America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass.” For $80, this card grants you access to all National Parks and Monuments in the US for 1 year’s time (Native American Tribal Parks such as Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley and Grand Canyon West not included). For more information, visit https://store.usgs.gov/pass
As for which Antelope Canyon tour outfitter to choose, visit this page for more information on local tour companies that tour both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us again if we can be of further assistance and visit our Facebook page for more information! https://www.facebook.com/horseshoebendaz/
Happy Travels,
Alley

Hello. My family of 5 (kids 14, 12,12) will be traveling from Grand Canyon South Rim to Bryce in mid June. On the way to Bryce, we plan on visiting Horseshoe Bend before our tour at 10:00 am for Antelope Canyon. We were thinking of leaving the Grand Canyon at 6:30 am with the hopes of arriving at Horseshoe Bend around 8:30 am. That would give us about 30-45 min at the site. How is the viewing at 8:30 am and do you think I’m giving us enough time? After our Antelope Canyon tour, I was thinking about hiking waterholes Canyon. What is your opinion of hiking waterholes with my family? It would probably be around 11:30 am. From my research, not many visitors here. Other than the heat, is there anything we should worry about (i.e. rattle snakes)? Thanks in advance for your time and answers.

Hi Seth, and thank you for visiting our site!
First of all, the drive from Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Bend usually takes a little over 2 hours if you drive straight through. However, that is not likely to happen since there are many beautiful canyon viewpoints along the way. No doubt you’ll find yourself stopping. Don’t forget as well to visit the Cameron Trading Post at the junction of Highway 64 & 89 – great collection of Native arts and crafts, and Navajo tacos in the restaurant!
Assuming you actually hit Horseshoe Bend at around 9:00 AM, that would give you a nice view, but most people end up spending 1.5 hours when factoring the hike to the overlook and back.
As for hiking Waterholes Canyon, your kids would probably enjoy it, and so would you. However, keep in mind that only the section closest to Highway 89 is open to independent hikers now. Also, a permit from the Navajo Tribal Parks office is required before entering. These can be purchased at the Antelope Canyon Tribal Park entrance gate (it’s included in your Antelope Canyon tour price, just save your receipt). Snakes aren’t seen too terribly often. They’re around, but they want as little to do with us as we want with them! Bring plenty of water and make sure to use toilet facilities before your tour as there are none at the canyon sites.
Hope that helps. Have fun!
Alley
P.S. Here’s a video of a family hiking Waterholes Canyon to whet your appetite for your trip! https://youtu.be/Ef-XKP6ONkI

Visiting this area in a couple weeks. My mom really wants to see Horseshoe but has a bad hip and walks with a cane. Is the trail very sandy or are their any handicap considerations? Thinking of renting a mobility scooter but unsure of terrain.

Hi Erin and thank you for visiting our site.
Though the trail to Horseshoe Bend is relatively short, the uphill grade from the parking lot to the trailhead can be hard for some people to manage. In fact, when my own mom (with bad knees) came to visit me a few years ago, I proposed visiting the overlook, but one look at the trail and she had to decline. A mobility scooter probably wouldn’t help matters because the trail is very sandy. If sand got into the gears of the scooter, that could result in mechanical problems, and costly repairs for you.
Since there is no cost to go to Horseshoe Bend Overlook, you can always go to the parking lot and judge on the spot whether your mom could handle the walk. If it’s already sounding like a no-go, consider taking another approach: flying over it. Fixed-wing airplanes depart daily from the Page Municipal Airport (weather permitting) and cover many other beautiful sights in addition to Horseshoe Bend. For more information, click here ->: https://horseshoebend.com/see-horseshoe-bend-air/
Good luck and happy traveling,
Alley

We have a pass but what else/if anything, is needed to go and see it? Also, if we want to camp near by what would be a good place? Last question, what is a good trail for a couple teens and young adults for experience, nothing super hardcore lol..

Hi Sarah,
Thank you for visiting our site!
At the present time, it does not cost anything to visit Horseshoe Bend. However, if you have a National Park Pass, you can use it to enter Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and any other National Park or Monument in the U.S.
As for camping, it is not allowed at Horseshoe Bend, but there are many options nearby, either in the town of Page or on Lake Powell. Read this article for a full list of RV and tent campgrounds in the Horseshoe Bend area ->: https://antelopecanyon.az/camping-and-rv-options-near-antelope-canyon/
For suggestions of some good, easy hikes in the area, visit this site ->: http://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/day-hikes.htm One hike I enjoy that that site does not mention is the Page Rim View Trail. It’s not easy if you take on the whole thing (it’s 10 miles long), but hiking a small section can reward you with some great views of Lake Powell. http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/page-rimview-trail

Thank you for all the helpful information. I currently live in SoCal and was planning on driving up to Horseshoe bend end of this month. I was going to take a day to drive as it is 7 hours and spend the night (not sure where?) and then go to horseshoe bend in the morning. I see there are tours from Sodona and Flagstaff. Just not sure what is the best way to see horsehoe bend. I would like to hike some of it too. Plus last year I did a tour through anteloupe Canyon but can’t remember if it was upper or lower and would rather not repeat the same tour as there is so much more to see. So just looking for information really to try and plan a trip and figure out the best place to stay. I would spend the night and then drive back to SoCal the following day – so it will end up being three days. Is there anything else I should definitely try and see while I am at horsehoe bend? I have been to Zion but not Bryce. Any recommendations would be great. Thanks so much for your help.

Hi Kourtney,
With only one night to work with, I wouldn’t bother taking a tour. If you’re willing to drive the 7 hours from LA, you can drive yourself to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyons. As for where to stay, the town of Page is the best, closest option. There are quite a few hotels in the area, ranging from Motel 6 to Marriott quality and everything in between, so you’re bound to find one that fits your budget and taste. Visit this link and scroll down to the paragraph headed “Page, AZ – 133 miles to the South Rim, 153 miles to the North Rim” ->: http://www.grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/east-hotels-1/
As for seeing Bryce Canyon National Park while you’re here, you’re really not going to have enough time. In fact, I would recommend rethinking your whole plan because it’s awfully rushed. Try to free up at least 2-3 days in order to enjoy this area and everything it has to offer.
Thanks again and happy traveling,
Alley

This will be my 2nd time visiting AZ with my family. Last year we visited the South rim of the GC; and this year we plan to go back, stay in Williams 04/8-04/10 to see the North Rim. We’d also like to visit the crater in Flagstaff, Oatman, Horseshoe bend, and Kingman. Any suggestions on the best itinerary?

Hi Endri and thank you for visiting our site.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the North Rim of the Grand Canyon won’t be open at the time of year you’re visiting. It doesn’t open to the public until May 15th, so unless you want to skip the Grand Canyon entirely, it looks like you’re limited to going back to the South Rim, or visiting Grand Canyon West and going on the Skywalk. Since you’re wanting to go to Kingman, Oatman and Williams, it wouldn’t make for too much of a detour. You could then stop at Oatman on your way back to California, if that’s where you’re heading.
As for Horseshoe Bend, it’s located approximately 2.5 hours North of Williams just South of the town of Page, Arizona.
Good luck and happy traveling,
Alley

Hi, I’m planning going to the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend the first week of April. I would like to know what would you recommend to do, I am going with my parents and my mom has a bad knee, so she is not doing great with stairs. We are going from San Diego, CA. We are going 4 days, as your previous recommendations I’m planning to drive the first and last day, so we have two full days to enjoy. Also what is the best option , hotel or rent a house?
Thanks in advance for your tips!

Hi Karla and thanks for visiting our site,
Regarding Horseshoe Bend, your mom may want to take a pass on it. Though the trail is relatively short, the uphill grade from the parking lot to the trail head can be a bit much for someone with bad knees to take on. I know, when I visited with my mom (who also has bad knees) a few years ago, she took one look at it and said “no way.” Fortunately, it doesn’t cost anything to go to Horseshoe Bend, so you won’t be out anything if you go to the overlook then decide to pass on it. Another option if the walk is too much to handle is to see it from the air. Small airplanes depart daily from the Page Municipal Airport. Click here for more information ->: http://www.horseshoebend.com/see-horseshoe-bend-air/ Or.. see it from the river on the Colorado River Discovery Float Trip ->: http://www.horseshoebend.com/see-the-canyon-from-the-river-colorado-river-discovery/
As for where to stay, you can choose from traditional hotels or vacation homes in Page. For house rentals, visit VRBO.com
Good luck and have a great trip!
Alley

Hi-
Regarding the upper vs lower antelope canyon tours— any preference? I have 2 daughters (13 & 15) with the 15 year old really into photography.

Also, my plan is to leave early from the South Rim in order to make a 10:30am tour of the canyon. Stop by horseshoe bend. Then drive on to overnight in Sedona (hopefully taking in the sunset). Feasible?

Hi Denise, thank you for visiting our site, and for your compliments!
As for a “preference” for Lower vs. Upper Antelope Canyon, we really don’t have one as they are both beautiful. The choice for most visitors comes down to whether they have their hearts set on seeing the light beams – a phenomenon limited to Upper Antelope Canyon during the late spring-early fall months – and how much effort they’re willing to expend on their trip. Upper Antelope Canyon is an easy, flat walk of 100 yards. Lower, however, requires climbing a few staircases and navigating around a few boulders. If you’re in reasonably good health, you should be able to do it. If your daughter is that much into photography, you might want to splurge and take the photographer’s tour, which is a little longer, and yes, costs more, but well worth it for those who want to take home good quality pictures.
As for your trip plan, keep in mind it takes 2.5 hours to drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, if you drive straight through. That’s not likely to happen because there are many beautiful viewpoints you can stop at along the East Rim/Desert View Drive, plus the Cameron Trading Post. I recommend getting as early a start as possible so you don’t feel rushed. Plus you’ll need to check in for your tour 30 minutes prior to departure. The Horseshoe Bend Overlook is approximately 5 miles outside of town, so it makes for an easy stop on the way in.
The drive back to Sedona also takes about 2.5 hours. Make sure you start back before it starts getting dark. Artificial lighting is kept to a bare minimum on the roads up here, plus deer, elk and other animals like to congregate near them at night. Hitting a deer is the last thing you want to do!
Happy traveling,
Alley

I really appreciate how interactive you are with the comments! Thanks for taking time to answer! I’m sure its time consuming. What do you think about this?
How long do we need to leave between a tour of Upper Antelope and Lower Antelope Canyon, and then Horseshoe Bend? The Upper Antelope Canyons tours are only available at 2:45 or 4:00. We want to do Horseshoe Bend last and possibly see the sunset. But I’m struggling to figure out what time we should book the Lower Antelope? Also we chose Antelope Canyon Tours for the Upper Antelope and Ken’s for Lower. Are these wise choices? We will have a rental car, and staying the night before and after in Page.
Thanks for any insight and helpful info!

Hi Diane, thanks for visiting out site, and for your compliments! Time consuming? Maybe, but it’s a labor of love nonetheless 😉
To answer your queries, the Horseshoe Bend Overlook and Antelope Canyon are about 7 miles apart. The entrances to Upper and Lower Antelope are about 1 mile apart. Therefore, I’d advise allowing at least 30 minutes between Antelope Canyon tours. Since Horseshoe Bend is open 24/7 and doesn’t require a guide to enter, you can go there pretty much whenever you want. I wouldn’t advise going there at night, though. It’s really dark and it’s a long drop to the river. LOL
As for the companies you’ve chosen to tour Antelope Canyon, they are all good reputable companies whose tour offerings will be very similar right down to the footsteps. Since you have your own vehicle, I’d double-check that your tour outfitters depart from the canyon entrance on Highway 98 and NOT from the town of Page.
I don’t recall seeing what time of year you’re visiting, but have you also considered taking the Glen Canyon Float Trip, or a boat tour on Lake Powell?
Hope that helps in your trip planning. Have a wonderful time!
Alley

Hi,
I’m so glad i found your site while researching about my trip. It’s amazing!!
I plan to go to Vegas on mid June and I am thinking to go to Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe bend due to its popularity.
Since i’m on a tight schedule, my initial trip would be like:
Leave Vegas at 7am, arrive at Antelope Canyon at 12pm and join the 12:30 tour. Then continue driving to Horseshoe bend, arrive there at 3 or 3.30pm. Spend an hour there (is it enough?), and leave at 4.30pm back to Vegas.
Do you think my plan is possible or would it be too tiring?
If indeed i have to stay 1 night, where do you suggest i should stay? Also which attraction could i add to my itinerary? I am thinking about adding lake powell or grand canyon sky walk or grand canyon south rim if i get to spend 1 more night in Arizona.
Please feel free to suggest any itinerary you think suits best.
Many thanks in advance for your help 🙂

Hi Nina and thank you for visiting our site!
As you’ve gathered, it takes approximately 5 hours, one way, to drive from Las Vegas to Page. Going there and back again in the same day is no fun at all, plus we don’t recommend driving at night in this part of the country due to the lack of artificial lighting on local roadways, and the presence of deer, elk and other wildlife that may collide with your vehicle.
Page, Arizona has a variety of good hotels that run the gamut from Motel 6 to Marriott and everything in between, so you’re bound to find one that fits your taste and budget. Click here for more information and scroll down to the paragraph heading “Page, AZ – 133 miles to the South Rim, 153 miles to the North Rim” ->: https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/east-hotels-1/
If you do stay an extra night, we would recommend adding activities such as the Glen Canyon Float Trip or a Lake Powell Boat Tour. If you choose to go to Grand Canyon South Rim, it’s about a 2.5 hour drive from Page, then 4 hours to get from the South Rim to Las Vegas, so you should plan on spending a night there, too.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is located at Grand Canyon West, a totally different area from the South Rim that’s actually closer to Las Vegas.
Hope that helps in your planning!
Happy traveling,
Alley

I am going to be flying out from Detroit Michigan, DTW Airport and want to see both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. I don’t mind renting a car upon arrival.. I am just wondering the closest place to fly in to? It was saying I should stay in Flagstaff?

Hi Sierra,
This is a great question!
Most visitors to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend fly into either Phoenix, AZ or Las Vegas, NV. Either airport is 4-4.5 hours from Page, AZ. Though Flagstaff, AZ is closer, geographically speaking, you’re not likely to save time or money by flying into this airport since you would have to connect in Phoenix anyway and still deal with the logistics/inconvenience, etc. of getting a rental car. Most people who fly into Flagstaff end up wishing they hadn’t done it.
As for staying in Flagstaff, I wouldn’t recommend doing that unless you absolutely had to, for example if all Page lodging was booked or you have hotel points you can only redeem in Flagstaff. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Flagstaff to Page one-way. Besides, there are plenty of places to stay in Page, from Motel 6 to Marriott and everything in between. To check availability of Page hotels, click this link and scroll down to the paragraph headed “Page, AZ – 133 miles to the South Rim, 153 miles to the North Rim” – >: https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/east-hotels-1/
Hope that helps. Happy traveling!
Alley

Hi Theresa,
Yes, dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed at all times. Believe me, you want them leashed: there are NO guardrails at the overlook and it’s a 700′ drop to the Colorado River!
Thanks for visiting and happy traveling,
Alley

Hi, Our family (2 adults, 2 chd 10 yrs) are planning a visit to the Grand Canyon on Sep 2017. We will arrive to Phoenix on Sep 23 and I need advise on teh following queries:
1-We will drive and our goal is to go to the South Rim, is it a good idea to overnight at Sedona on the 23rd, so that we can take a highlight tour on the morning of the 24th and then continue to the South Rim?
2-We have 4 to 5 nights to spend at the Grand Canyon, right now we have reservations at the Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon, we were not able to get reservations inside the park. (We were&are trying to get reservations at El Tovar, eventualy, is it a good lodging choice?)
3- As far as we have researched, we would like Sunrise/Sunset experiences, the helicopter ride(not the 15min. one) Desert View, Smooth pontoom water trip (I believe this will be done at Page), Horseshoe bend and Antelope (don’t know exact location and don’t know how can it be done)
4-I know the girls (and my husband and I) would love to take the Grand Canyon Railway, but it leaves from Williams, any suggestions about how to include it (since we are havine a rental car, will we have to make the Railway round trip)
5-Any important spots/stuff we are missing?
6-We will drive from Grand Canyon to Las vegas and spend a couple of nights, it is really not the highlight part of the trip, but of course we would like to go to Hoover Dam and Route 66, are there any suggestions as for where to stop and what to visit on our way to Vegas?
So sorry for so many queries, but it has been our goal to travel to Grand Canyon and we want to have the most of it ! Many thanks in advance and best regards

Dear Andrea,
Hello and thank you for visiting our site!
To answer your queries in the order posed:
1. Is it a good idea to overnight at Sedona? YES! It takes about 2 hours to drive from Phoenix to Sedona, and there is a lot to see and do in that area. For suggestions of activities and attractions, visit The Top Things to Do in Sedona on TripAdvisor. Instead of just a single night, I would recommend spending 2-3 nights, and contrary to what you might think, you do have that option (see my answer to your next question).
2. “We have 4 or 5 nights to spend at the Grand Canyon.” That’s way too long! Most families find 2 nights tops to be plenty of time to experience and enjoy the Grand Canyon fully. Unless you’re a hard-core hiker and have plans to occupy every single day with a specific and different hike, I can almost guarantee you’ll be ready to move on after a couple of days. Give 1-2 of those nights to Sedona, or 1 to Sedona and 1 to Page, AZ. For more detailed information, take a look at this video: Other Things to See and Do in the Grand Canyon Area.
As for lodging, the Grand Hotel is perfectly fine, in fact it’s one of my favorite out-of-park hotels because it blends old-style architectural touches with modern amenities. El Tovar is amazing, but hard to come by, but by reducing your stay to 1-2 nights, you’ll have a better chance. Also, keep in mind the hotel was built in 1905 and so the rooms are quite small. For a family of four, you’ll need at least a deluxe room or suite to not be stepping all over each other.
3. Grand Canyon and other touring experiences: for the helicopter ride, shoot for a morning departure for better light and less wind. They start running at 8:00 AM. If possible, take the 45-minute flight aboard the Eco-Star helicopter.
For the Smooth Water Float Trip, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, you can easily partake of these activities by driving yourself to Page, AZ and staying there for a couple of days. Another option is to take a tour that originates at Grand Canyon South Rim, the Canyon River Adventure. It’s a really good tour that includes a scenic flight (airplane) over the Grand Canyon East Rim, Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam and part of Lake Powell, a jeep tour to Antelope Canyon, and the Smooth Water Float Trip. It’s a 12-hour tour, so you should stay at Grand Canyon at least 2 days to have sufficient quality time at the Grand Canyon as well.
4. The Grand Canyon Railway – personally, I’d recommend skipping it. It doesn’t pass by the canyon or offer anything of particular significance as far as scenery. It’s more of an “Old West Historic” experience than anything else. The attraction of the train is the train itself. If you’d like to see the train, it arrives at Grand Canyon South Rim near the El Tovar Hotel at 11:30 AM and departs from there at 3:30 PM.
5 & 6. Other stops/where to stop on the way to Las Vegas: Seligman, Arizona. It is an old Route 66 stand-by and was the partial basis for the fictional town of “Radiator Springs” in the movie “Cars.” It still retains its kitschy, “frozen-in-time” look and feel and makes for a relatively short detour on the way to Las Vegas. Be sure to grab lunch at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In.
It’s a legendary fixture of the old “Mother Road!”
Hope that answers your questions – and no apologies necessary for so many.
Alley

Dear Alley, Hi !
As Nina said, your website it’s just spectacular!!
I can’t thank you enough for your WONDERFUL and so clarifying answer !!!
We will take into account each of your professional advice and when we have ready the new day by day itinerary, we’ll check back again 🙂
Many thanks and have a great day !!
Counting the days for our trip 🙂

Hi,
I’m playing a trip to the Grand Canyon this September with a few friends and we will be staying at the Mather Campgrounds.
What is a good way for us to plan a trip to Horseshoe Bend and are there any fees we’d need to pay to see the sites?
How is the weather in September?
Where would we go to begin our hike?

Hi Marisa,
Thanks for visiting our site today!
Yes, September is a wonderful time to visit the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Daytime temperatures tend to run in the 60’s at the Grand Canyon, 10-15 degrees warmer in Page, AZ. That’s Fahrenheit, of course 😉
As for planning a day trip to Horseshoe Bend from Grand Canyon, it takes approximately 2.5 hours to drive from the South Rim to Page, if you were to drive straight through, which people seldom do. There are many beautiful overlooks of the Grand Canyon you can stop at along the way, as well as points of interest in the Navajo Indian Reservation, such as the Cameron Trading Post, which you’ll also pass through. An early start from Grand Canyon is recommended so you can get to Horseshoe Bend during the mid-morning hours when lighting is best, and so you can visit Antelope Canyon, another “don’t miss” attraction in the area, which is best seen at mid-day.
At the present time, no fees are required to visit Horseshoe Bend. You simply proceed to Mile Marker 545 on US 89 just 5 miles South of Page. The overlook is very clearly signed from the highway.

If you wish to tour Antelope Canyon, you are required to go with an authorized guide and/or tour company. The price for the basic sightseeing tour of Upper Antelope Canyon is $45/person. Touring the Lower section is slightly cheaper, but requires a bit more effort in the form of stair climbing and a little boulder scrambling. For more information on both options, visit https://antelopecanyon.az/how-to-book-a-tour-for-antelope-canyon/
Good luck and have a great trip!
Alley

We have an upcoming 3N4D trip celebrate our 45th anniversary (May 9-12) to see Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend. Driving from Phoenix and staying in Flagstaff during the entire time, already booked a 8:30 tour to Antelope. Appreciate your help to maximize our time there.

Hi Cindy and congratulations on your 45th anniversary! Thank you so much for stopping by our site today.
To maximize your time here, I suggest you cancel those reservations in Flagstaff and overnight in Page instead. The reason I do so is because it takes approximately 2.5 hours to drive from Flagstaff to Page one way. Visiting Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend as a day trip will mean 5 hours spent driving – that’s almost half of your day! You’ll have a much more relaxed experience by staying closer by. Page has a variety of hotels, from Motel 6 to Marriott and everything in between, as well as vacation rental homes in a wide range of sizes and amenities. Between the two, you’re bound to find something to suit your taste and budget. For Page hotels, visit https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/east-hotels-1/ and scroll down to the paragraph heading Page, AZ – 133 miles to the South Rim, 153 miles to the North Rim For vacation rental homes, visit https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/arizona/canyon-country-northeast/page
Other activities you might consider to round out your vacation include, but aren’t limited to: Lake Powell boat tours, the Colorado River Discovery Smooth Water Float Trip and scenic airplane tours and helicopter flights.
Hope that helps – have a wonderful anniversary!
Alley

Me and my husband are going to Las Vegas on the second week of May and i’m planning for a day trip to the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe bend.
Do you think this itinerary is possible for a day trip?
Las vegas to Horse shoe bend
Horseshoe bend to South Rim just before sunset
South Rim back to Las Vegas

Hi Kathy,
Yikes! That’s way too much driving for one day. First off, it takes approximately 4.5-5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Horseshoe Bend. Then it takes another 2.5 hours to drive from Page, AZ (where Horseshoe Bend is located) to Grand Canyon South Rim, then another 4.5-5 hours to get to Las Vegas. That makes for 12-14 hours behind the wheel! I don’t know about you, but that’s not my idea of a vacation.
If you only have one day to spare, I strongly recommend that you choose which park you want to see, and if you’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, that’s the one I’d pick (strange as it may sound from a site devoted to Horseshoe Bend!). If for some reason you’ve already been to the Grand Canyon, and wish to come to Horseshoe Bend, read this page for tips on how best to get here from Las Vegas and make the most of your day.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley

Hi Cal,
Great question ~ I don’t know if you’re old enough to remember those “Active Listening” classes from the 1980’s, but they were always getting on people’s case about answering questions with a “yes, but…” I say those instructors never worked in the travel/tourism industry, because we’re always saying “yes, but…” and the answer to this question is no exception!
While you cannot walk to the Colorado River directly from the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, there are a couple of areas nearby from which you can. One is at the base of the Glen Canyon Dam a short ways upstream from Horseshoe Bend, and here’s where the “yes, but” comes in: you must be on a guided raft trip in order to access the river from this point. These excursions, called the Colorado River Discovery Float Trip will take you 15 miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry, and is a wonderful family activity. You should definitely consider adding it to your Page, Arizona vacation plans!
If you pass on that trip, you can also drive down to Lees Ferry yourself and park nearby the river. This is a fascinating area to explore, where the remnants of a ferry boat and the Historic Lonely Dell Ranch still stand. The adjacent orchard still produces delicious fruit that visitors are welcome to pick (in reasonable amounts) in the fall. You can also hike up to the confluence of the Paria and Colorado River if you desire. The drive from Horseshoe Bend to Lees Ferry takes approximately 45 minutes, but plan for at least an hour so you can stop off at “The Cut,” Navajo Bridge, and the balanced rock garden near Marble Canyon.

Hi Tomas,
Overnight camping of any kind is not allowed at Horseshoe Bend, but there are a number of developed and primitive campgrounds in the Page, AZ area. Read this for more information ->: Camping & RV Options in Page/Lake Powell, AZ.
Thanks for stopping by!
Alley

Hi,
we’re a group of 5 with a RV, we’ll be there on 2nd of June, for the sunrise we’ll stop to see the Horseshoe Bend. After we wanna do a tour of Antelope Canyon at 11.30/ 12 during the best time for take pictures, I found online a website to book it for 57$ each. I would know if you have any suggestion to book this tour from website or other contacts.
Thank you!

Hi Giulia,
Thanks for stopping by! We recommend booking your Antelope Canyon tour directly with the tour outfitter. There are several to choose from for both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Seeing as though you are wanting to go to Horseshoe Bend, then tour Antelope Canyon, we recommend going directly to the Tribal Park entrance on Highway 98 and picking up a tour from there.

I am staying in flagstaff in a couple weeks for a day and am going to the Grand Canyon for my first time. I’ve seen pictures of the horseshoe bend and have always wanted to see it. Do you think I can make it there from flagstaff and still have time to go to Grand Canyon Village in the day that I have?

Hi Mark and thanks for stopping by.
IMO that’s an awful lot of driving to do in a day. It takes 1.5-2 hours to drive from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon South Rim, and another 2.5-3 hours to drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Horseshoe Bend. It would then take 2+ hours to drive back to Flagstaff from Horseshoe Bend.

So, you’re looking at a bare minimum of 6-7 hours behind the wheel. If you start super-early, you can theoretically pull it off, but if you possibly can, tinker with your schedule so you can stay overnight in one or both places. You’ll have a much better time that way!
Good luck and have fun,
Alley

Hi!
What a wonderful and helpfull site you are having!
Hope, you can help me to with my questions.
I’ll be around Page in September doing a tour around some national parks. And of course want to do all must-see there! I’ll be coming from Zion Park to Page and after(Antelope Canyon, Horseshoebend and Powell Lake) will be going to Grand Canyon. So, the questions:
1) is it possible to have a little swim in the Powell Lake? If yes, where and do I need any permit for that?
2)if I come to Page in the evening and stay there for 1 night what is the best order of sightseeing:Antelope Canyon, Horseshoebend, Lake Powell(with a little swim, if possible)?
3) what time(approximately) do I have to leave Page territory to get to Grand Canyon(enjoying the views on the way:)) and is there a place to stay for a night(a town or smth else) close to Grand Canyon with beautiful views ?
4) what time is it getting too dark to see the views of Grand Canyon?

Hi Svetlana, and thank you for your question(s). So let’s get right to them!
1. Is it possible to swim in Lake Powell? Definitely! Popular swim beaches in the order you’ll find them on your itinerary are:
– Lone Rock Beach, just on the border of Arizona and Utah, making it a convenient stop on your way into
town from Zion
– Across from the Lake Powell Campground at Lake Powell Resort, North of the town of Page, AZ
– Antelope Point, near Antelope Canyon on US98 – as long as you’re a good distance away from the MarinaSafety Tips for Swimming in Lake Powell
You do not need permits for any of these areas, but they are part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, so the normal Federal Lands entry fee of $25 per vehicle (or the America the Beautiful Federal Lands Access card) will apply.
2. What is the best order of sightseeing: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell? Coming from Zion, as referenced in the previous paragraph, you can easily stop at Lone Rock Beach for a swim, then continue on into the town of Page, AZ. Or if you prefer, you can pass by Page, AZ and visit the Horseshoe Bend Overlook about 5 miles South of town. The next day, you could tour Antelope Canyon in the morning, or visit Horseshoe Bend in the morning, then tour Antelope Canyon afterward. Whichever you decide, Antelope Canyon tours must be reserved in advance. How to book a tour of Antelope Canyon
3. What time to leave Page to get to Grand Canyon South Rim? It takes approximately 2.5 hours to drive from Page to Grand Canyon South Rim if you drive directly, which almost never happens because there are many points of interest and beautiful views to stop at, particularly on AZ64 after you enter the park at Desert View Point, so it wouldn’t be unheard of for the drive to take 4 hours factoring in the stops you can make. As for where to stay, there is a complex inside the park (Grand Canyon Village), but hotels there are likely to be full (they tend to book up a year in advance). At this point, book whatever is available. There are several hotels in Tusayan, aka Grand Canyon Village South just outside the park, which would be your next best option. If nothing is available there, then Williams, AZ or Flagstaff, AZ are where you should look. Grand Canyon hotels
4. What time does it get dark? In September, sunset occurs at about 7:00 PM in the early part of the month, toward 6:15 PM in the later half of the month. You should plan to be on the canyon rim about 30 minutes prior to sunset, then remain until about 30 minutes after to experience the full range of light changes.
Hope that helps you start planning.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley

Hi Shane and thanks for stopping by.
IMO that’s too much driving for one day.
The drive from Monument Valley to Page, AZ takes approximately 2 hours, so if you’re driving from MV in the morning to catch sunrise at Horseshoe Bend, you’ll have to get a very early start. One thing that might work to your advantage is that the Navajo Reservation (where Monument Valley is located) observes Daylight Saving Time, but Page, AZ does not. Therefore you “gain” an hour traveling from MV to Page, so if sunrise is at 5:30 AM Page time, you could feasibly leave Monument Valley at 4:30 AM local time and get to Horseshoe Bend on time. But again, too early in the morning for my taste, especially if I’m on vacation!
You would then have a 2.5-4 hour drive from Page to Grand Canyon South Rim after touring Antelope Canyon.
Why such a wide range of times? Because there are a lot of places you’ll invariably want to stop on the drive to Grand Canyon.
Long story short, I recommend staying overnight in Page, AZ if you can. Book a hotel in Page, AZ
That way you can wake up at a decent hour, tour Antelope Canyon on your way from Monument Valley to Page, then enjoy sunrise at Horseshoe Bend on your way to Grand Canyon South Rim.
Be sure to reserve your Antelope Canyon tour in advance Antelope Canyon Tour Bookings as well as your Grand Canyon hotel. Grand Canyon Hotels
Hope that helps.
Safe travels to you,
Alley

Hi Amit, and thank you for stopping by today. I have family in Austin, TX!
The most popular airports for visitors to Horseshoe Bend to fly into are Las Vegas and Phoenix. Either airport would be approximately a 4.5 hour drive from Page, AZ. Flights are also available into Page, AZ itself, as well as Flagstaff, AZ but would require a connection flight into Phoenix.
As for what itinerary I would suggest, not knowing where you’re flying into and where else you plan to visit makes it a little hard to advise you, but you might take a look at this suggested 2-day itinerary: The Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary in Page, AZ
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

Hi Val and thank you for visiting our site.
It is safe to visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon with a toddler, as long as you keep them under control at all times. That’s especially important at Horseshoe Bend as there are no guardrails and it’s a 600′ drop to the river. At Antelope Canyon, there are some low rock overhangs they might bump their head on if you’re carrying them, so caution should be exercised there as well.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley

Hi Amy, thanks for stopping by ~ Love you guys’ website, and look forward to reading about your adventures in Arizona!
To answer your questions:
1. Yes, the parking lot at Horseshoe Bend is large enough to accommodate an RV. That said, it’s best to arrive on the early side to snag a good spot. As you can see from this photo, taken from the top of the hill looking down at the parking lot, the lot is fairly good-sized, and has several busses and RV’s parked there, but toward mid-day can get very busy.
2. Yes, dogs are welcome to accompany their people to the overlook. However, keep in mind there are no guardrails at the overlook and it’s a 500’+ drop to the river. They must be leashed at all times, plus you must carry out any waste they deposit (take a couple of plastic bags with you). Also, it’s a dry desert environment, so make sure you’re wearing hats, sunscreen, appropriate shoes, etc., and to carry enough water for yourselves, and your dogs.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

Good morning Carole and thank you for visiting our site!
As it stands, your itinerary involves a lot of driving, so stopping off at “must-do” attractions could take a sizeable bite out of an already full schedule.
Be that as it may, on the drive from Phoenix to Monument Valley, stops you might consider making include but aren’t limited to: Walnut Canyon National Monument in Flagstaff, Wupatki/Sunset Crater NM just North of Flagstaff, the Cameron Trading Post at the junction of US89 and AZ64 and the Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks just West of Tuba City on US160.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend can be done en route from MV to Zion, just remember that Arizona DOES NOT observe Daylight Saving Time, whereas the Navajo Nation and Utah DO, so you’ll “gain” an hour entering Arizona, then lose it again upon entering Utah. Antelope Canyon tours must be booked in advance. As you head toward Zion after your tour, maybe grab some sandwiches to go and stop at Lone Rock Beach for a picnic, and a view of Lake Powell. Time (and inclination) permitting, once in Utah, you might stop at the Big Water Visitors Center for the dinosaur exhibit, or the Paria Rim Rocks Trail at Mile Marker 19 on US89.
Good luck and safe traveling!
Alley 🙂
Alley

Hi Alley! I’m planning a graduation trip to Arizona the second week of August. I have a pre-itinerary somewhat planned out but wanted some recommendations on what I should and shouldn’t do.

Monday:
– flying into PHX-Sky Harbour arrival 9 am
– drive to Flagstaff to stay at Grand Canyon International Hostel
– anything I can catch along the way?

Tuesday: Sedona; Devil’s Bridge and maybe a tour?

Wednesday: Grand Canyon
– EITHER Taking a tour with hostel $40 OR I will have a car
– Am I able to drive to the Grand Canyon in the morning & explore on my own? I know the drive is total 2 hours.
Would I be able to see North Rim too? Or should I stick to just Grandview Point and the South Rim spots.

Hi Jennifer!
Your plan is ambitious, and for the most part, doable.
If you’ll have a rental car, there’s no need to take tours, with the exceptions of Antelope Canyon and maybe some areas of Sedona that would require a 4-Wheel Drive vehicle.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is approximately a 5 hour drive from the South Rim, so seeing it by car won’t be feasible. One way you can still get a glimpse of it is to fly over it. Daily flights are offered by airplane and helicopter. The flights do not land at the North Rim, but pass over it, enabling you to get enough of a sense of how different it is from the South Rim. North Canyon Helicopter Tour As for the time it takes to drive from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon South Rim, it takes 90 minutes via the most direct route on US180 to AZ64, or 2.5 hours if you go the “long way” round via US89 to AZ64 West. A popular option is to come in via the Southern Entrance and go out via the Eastern route.
Regarding your trip plan in Page, there are several options for tent camping. Be sure you stay in designated campgrounds and obey any signage that prohibits overnight camping. Since you’re interested in going to Lone Rock, you might consider camping there. Page Arizona Camping
As for your final sightseeing day, I would not recommend saving Marble Canyon for sunset. Nighttime driving in this part of the country is potentially dangerous due to the lack of artificial/supplemental lighting, and the tendency of deer, elk and other wildlife to congregate around the roadways after dark. Go to Marble Canyon during the day, then time your drive so that you arrive back in Flagstaff before dusk. Sunset is at approximately 7:15 PM in August.
Hope that helps and that your travels are safe and happy!
Alley 🙂

[…] Canyon South Rim, making the Horseshoe Bend Overlook a convenient stop on their way into town. Map With so many vacations scheduled down to the second, anything that can be done to save time is […]

Hi, Samantha!
Yes, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are very close to one another, maybe 7-8 miles apart, a 10 minute drive tops.
They are rarely closed off, Horseshoe Bend almost never, but access to Antelope Canyon has been known to be restricted during Arizona’s monsoon season, which typically occurs in late July through the month of August. During this time period, flash floods can occur as a result of thunderstorms that roll in during the afternoon hours. This can make hiking in any slot canyon or wash extremely dangerous. That would certainly make November an advantageous time to visit, along with substantially reduced crowds. Many Antelope Canyon tours are reportedly sold out during the summer months!
Hope that answers your questions – safe travels 🙂
Alley

Hi Ruth!
Overnight parking is prohibited at Horseshoe Bend Overlook, but fortunately there are many great places to camp nearby. You might consider Lone Rock Beach or Lake Powell Campground. Since these are in Federal Fee Areas, a nominal fee is charged, but the locations can’t be beat. I don’t recall seeing when you were traveling, but keep in mind if you’re visiting during the summer months, nights can still be quite warm. You might be more comfortable in an air-conditioned hotel room! Lake Powell Camping
Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley

Hello Alley, your answers are very gracious and informative. I’ve bookmarked your page for future reference. We are planning a RV road trip through Grand Canyon (3 days there) then a stop in Page to visit the Horse Shoe and Antelope Canyon among other sites too. Boondocking at Walmart is a popular thing for RVers. I see on Google Earth plenty of RVs in the outer perimeter of the Walmart parking lot and are apparently boondocking. Some Walmarts invite boondocking, Big city Walmarts do not. My backup plan is to camp at the end of Lone Rock Road and maybe catch a beautiful sunrise over Wahweap Bay with Lone Rock Island in the picture. I would love to hear your suggestions.

Hi Jerry, thank you for stopping by!
As a sometime RVer myself, Wal-Mart has definitely come in handy a time or two, as has Cabela’s and Cracker Barrel (did you know they allow boondockers as well?). According to several recent sources, the Page, AZ Wal-Mart does allow overnight parking as long as the privilege is not abused. No levelers, no grills, no satellite dishes, i.e., no indications that you’re going to set up camp and plant yourself there for several days.
Lone Rock Beach would definitely be a good back-up plan, especially if you wanted to see a sunrise on Lake Powell. Also a good place to catch a dip in the water. Keep in mind it is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and a $25 per vehicle fee is charged. The nice part is, it’s good for 7 days time, and can be used to enter the Antelope Point Marina and Lake Powell Resort Complexes, too.
For more suggestions on other camping and RV options in the Page, AZ area, visit Antelope Canyon Camping and RV Options on our sister site, http://www.antelopecanyon.az
Have fun, and if you stay at any commercial RV parks along your route, be sure to post a review on RVParkReviews.com
Alley 🙂

Hi, if I’ve 5 full days to spend driving solo from Las Vegas to Page, Horseshoe bend being my priority, what other canyons, photographic places, canyon hiking trails, camping areas, etc. you’d recommend that I go? I heard some canyons in Page only allow guided tours that I can’t go by myself. Please advise? I’m looking to schedule a trip from June 30 – July 4. Thank you.

Hi Patricia and thanks for stopping by.
With 5 days to spend, you can certainly accomplish a lot. We would recommend spending one night at Grand Canyon South Rim, 2 nights in Page, AZ (for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend) and 2 nights in Zion National Park.
You have heard correctly that many Page area slot canyons require a guided tour to enter. The few that are in very remote areas and have a high degree of difficulty; consequently, we don’t recommend them for first-time visitors.
For more information on camping, scenic attractions and other travel tips, check out this week-long Grand Circle itinerary on our sister site, AntelopeCanyon.az You’ll see that it includes Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon, which you probably don’t have time to visit this time around, but should still give you some good ideas for places to go and things to see! Ultimate 7-Day Grand Circle Tour
Best wishes and happy travels!
Alley

Hi George!
You absolutely can visit Horseshoe Bend as a solo traveler. You won’t stand out or look silly in the least. In fact, you won’t really be alone. You’ll see many other people from all over the world, some of them traveling on their own, just like you! Who knows, you might make a friend – or a whole bunch of them.
Safe travels,
Alley

Hi Ashley,
Thanks for visiting our site today! Yes, you absolutely do need advance reservations for an Antelope Canyon tour. Antelope Canyon’s popularity has just exploded this year, and tours have been selling out well ahead of time, even for Lower Antelope Canyon, which never used to happen.
If you find Antelope Canyon tours to be sold out, consider touring one of several alternate slot canyons that you can learn about on our sister site, https://www.antelopecanyon.az Other slot canyons not listed that you may find availability for are toured by Ligai Si’Anii Tours. Visit them at https://www.hikingslotcanyons.com
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley

I am planning a cross country roadtrip and will be stopping in Flagstaff Arizona for a day and two nights (Possibly July 24-25, 2017). It was a difficult decision, but I think I would like to spend my time at antelope canyon and horsebend than the Grand Canyon (unless convinced otherwise). Will it be possible to do both the upper and lower parts of antelope canyon (unless you recommend one over the other) and does horsebend require a toured hike or may visitors walk there themselves to enjoy the scenic view? I do enjoy hiking but at the same time I have my irrational scare with heights (only when it comes to jumping across something or climbing up or down rocks) and I was wondering if the routes does not call for arduous or difficult requirement as such?

I was planning to see horsebend near sunset and then spend the following day at Antelope Canyon. If the tours are full, I think I will switch it up and just enjoy the view of the Grand Canyon and Horsebend.

Sorry for the many questions, but any help will be greatly appreciated. This will also be my first time in Arizona.

Hi James and thank you for stopping by today.
Not sure if skipping the Grand Canyon would be a good idea. Unless you are relatively certain you’ll be back to this area in the foreseeable future, that might be a decision you regret. It really is magnificent and something everyone should try to see at least once in their lifetime! If you prefer to spend the bulk of your time in Page, there is a way you can still do that and work the Grand Canyon into your itinerary: fly over it. Westwind Air Service offers fixed-wing airplane flights over the Grand Canyon from Page Municipal Airport. You can even add on a flyover of Monument Valley if you wish. https://www.westwindairservice.com/tours-from-lake-powell-page/ Otherwise, I’d recommend re-working your itinerary to include at least one day at Grand Canyon South Rim.
As for which order you visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in, it often comes down to convenience. If, for example, you come into Page from the South Rim or Flagstaff, Horseshoe Bend is right on your way into town. As for Antelope Canyon, seeing both Upper and Lower isn’t 100% necessary, but they are different enough in degree of difficulty that you won’t feel as though you’re doing the same thing twice. One factor that could throw a wrench in the works is availability, or lake thereof. Antelope Canyon’s popularity has skyrocketed this year, which has resulted in other slot canyons getting more well-deserved attention. If you find Antelope Canyon tours sold out, consider perhaps touring Cathedral Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon, or Antelope Canyon X instead. https://antelopecanyon.az/antelope-canyon-alternative-tours/
You have correctly deduced that Horseshoe Bend can be explored without a guide, at your leisure. As for some of the more arduous requirements, if you’re in reasonably good health, chances are good you can manage it just fine! There is a fairly steep hill at the beginning of the walk, but once you get past that, you should be in good shape for the rest of the trip. If you do prefer the expertise and insight of a trained guide, maybe consider touring Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon and adding a stop at the overlook onto your tour package. https://horseshoebend.com/horseshoe-bend-slot-canyon-tour/
Hope this isn’t “information overload” and that it helps in your planning.
Good luck and happy travels,
Alley 🙂

This is not information overload at all. I am very grateful that you took the time to tell me about all these options! Thank you very much and I will definitely consider adding another day for Arizona. I think I was being ambitious and thought if I were to do one tour early, such as horseshoe bend slot canyon (which I am highly considering), I may have time to do Grand Canyon later in the day, but maybe having an extra will help give me more time to explore.

Hello, I am looking for information to help me plan a swim around the Horseshoe.

Is there a hiking or bike trail from the overlook to the river? Is there a put in/take out to render the swim a 2-3 mile distance?

What month do temperatures top out upper 70’s and low 80’s? Ive visited AZ in June, July, August and do not wish to do so again, too hot for me! What is the typical water temperature?

From what I’ve gathered, it appears the easiest way to pull off the swim is to take the half day raft trip and swim from Horseshoe to The Ferry. I am not opposed to this but I prefer a swim that is a bit more adventurous. Do people kayak this stretch? Is it as lovely from the water as it appears from the overlook?

Hi Jason,
Your desire to swim from Horseshoe Bend to Lees Ferry is ambitious, and may not be permitted, or even feasible.
First off, there is no hiking trail from the overlook to the river, so you would have to employ a backhaul service to get a kayak, canoe or other watercraft from Lees Ferry to the base Glen Canyon Dam. This service is offered by Colorado River Discovery, the float trip concessionaire.
Second – and most likely the biggest obstacle to your endeavor – is water temperature. The Colorado River in Glen Canyon fluctuates between 42-47 degrees (Fahrenheit) year-round, so without a good wetsuit, you will freeze.
Third, Glen Canyon is under the protection and jurisdiction of the National Park Service. They have the final say on who does what in this area, and there’s a good chance they may not allow you to pursue this activity anyway.
Fortunately, there are plenty of other great areas to swim in Lake Powell. Lone Rock Beach, the beach across from Wahweap Campground near the Stateline launch ramp are easily accessible by vehicle. The Coves is another, but may require some hiking and/or rock climbing to access. If you rent a boat, and venture into any number of side canyons, the sky’s the limit! Another option: a stand-up paddleboard tour. Some of the longer tours allow ample opportunities to take a dip.
As for times of the year when temperatures are cooler, late October through early November is our favorite season up here. March, April and early May also feature cooler weather, but as a transitional period between winter and spring, the occasional storm can put a damper on one’s fun, so to speak.
Hope that helps.
Good luck in your travels!
Alley 🙂

Hi, Alley! I have been going crazy with research and reading the questions/responses posted here. I do hope this post finds you well.
I will be driving (2016 Honda Civic Sedan, 2WD) from California through Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming as part of a road trip in a week (July). I’ve never camped before in a tent by myself and I’m very excited. I was looking at staying overnight at Alstrom Point but read the 2WD will only get me to the first overlook. How is that view? My concern is that I can’t get all the way to the edge to overlook the lake as I’ve seen in the photos. Is it worth staying there if I can’t get out that far or is it better to just go down and stay at Lone Rock Beach? I’m a photographer so I’m looking to get great photos! I definitely want to see Horseshoe but wasn’t sure if there are any tent-only camp spots nearby for that. Most of the places I am interested in camping at are first-come, first-serve and I am afraid that once I find a spot and drive to get food or sightsee, my things will be gone. Is that a concern I should have?
From my overnight stay at either Horseshoe, Alstrom Point, or Lone Beach, I will head over to Bryce Canyon. I read the stars are amazing and I would like to camp there. Again, will my things be okay once finding a spot to setup, you think? I would like to explore Bryce and visit surrounding areas like Ruby’s for horseback riding and atv tours but may need to drive to reach this location after finding a campsite. What are your thoughts?
I’m also wondering if there are any waterfalls nearby at any of these locations particularly Bryce Canyon?

Hi Ashley, and thank you for your inquiry.
Your excitement about solo camping is palpable, but unfortunately, I have to throw a potential wrench in the works. It is extremely hot in the Page, AZ area during the month of July under normal circumstances; right now, the area is in the midst of an excessive heat warning. Camping may not be comfortable in light of this.
That said, you can still enjoy the night skies of the area even if you are staying at a hotel by driving a relatively short distance out of town. If you do opt to camp, you should be OK leaving your tent and other items at your campsite while you are out sightseeing. Still, no area is crime free. Use common sense. Don’t leave cash, jewelry or other valuables at your site unattended.
Regarding the drive to Alstrom Point, a 4WD vehicle is definitely recommended to drive all the way out there, but there are still some good views to be had on the paved and graded section of the road, which begins out of Big Water, Utah. If you’re wanting to see some waterfalls in the area, Calf Creek Falls is located approximately 90 minutes East of Bryce Canyon, but requires a 6-mile hike to get to the lower section of the falls. It may not be feasible at this time of year.
Instead of taking on something so ambitious and strenuous, you might try the Hanging Garden Trail. The turn-off is 1/4 mile (0.4 km) east of Glen Canyon Bridge (the opposite side of the bridge from Carl Hayden Visitor Center) on Highway 89 in Page. Trailhead parking is 500 yards (455 m) off of Highway 89.
This hike leads you to a seep that has given rise to a luxuriant hanging garden on the mesa high above the Colorado River and Lake Powell. It is about a 1 mile (1.6 km) round-trip walk, and rated easy to moderate.

Hey Alley. I was just reading the comments and I was wondering if you can help me with this. I’ll be in Vegas next week so I was planning to rent a car and drive just to the Grand Canyon it says is 4 hours away. So my plan was to come back the same day. Do you think is a good idea? I mean I’ll be leaving at 7Am from Vegas so that way I’ll be driving back not later than 5. I know I won’t have enough time to see the other state parks I’ll be back later. But for now I just wanted to go to the one that is 4 hours away. Is the driving bad in the afternoon?

Hi Mabellyne,
Thanks for visiting our site!
First off, the driving distance from Las Vegas, NV to Grand Canyon South Rim tends to be more like 4.5 hours, and that’s if you drive direct, which rarely happens. Many people like to stop at Hoover Dam, or the Bypass Bridge overlook on the way, plus there’s the inevitable requirement for comfort stops, fuel or just to snap a photo of something that might catch your eye.

With an early enough start, going from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and back in a single day is possible, but not ideal. However, if staying overnight at the park is simply not an option, and you don’t imagine getting back to this area in the foreseeable future, then by all means, go for it. As for whether the driving is “bad in the afternoon,” if you’re referring to rush-hour type traffic, yes, it’s horrible in Las Vegas. Local highways should be busy, but not bumper-to-bumper. The biggest danger driving later in the day around here is due to the lack of supplemental lighting on the roads. Once the sun goes down, it gets very dark, plus deer, elk and other wildlife like to congregate near the highways up near the Grand Canyon. That’s the thing you to be most aware of. Yet another reason why spending the night will make for a much more comfortable experience.
Good luck, whichever way you decide to go,
Alley 🙂

Hi Nick,
Depending on the time of day (meaning when no one is around), you might be able to get your rig into the parking lot, but you might have trouble turning it around when you’re ready to leave. As you can (hopefully) see from this satellite map, a lot of people end up parking on the side of US89 anyway.

The nearest place with actual truck parking is Wal-Mart Super Center, about 2.5 miles North of the Horseshoe Bend parking lot. Then it would be a question of how do you get from one place to the other if you’re not inclined to walk?
There is a taxi company called “Buggy Taxi,” but Google reviews are somewhat spotty, plus their most recent one is 6 months old. Their # is 928-645-6664 if you’d like to call them.
Sorry we couldn’t be more helpful! Good luck and continued safe travels,
Alley 🙂

Hi Alley! Your page is very informative among others and so as your prompt replies, hoping I can receive the same for my concerns. I’ve been dying to know how to get married at the Horseshoe Bend. Do you know the proper procedures for it? Also, can you probably refer a coordinator for an elopement event there? What are tips and advice for this?

Hi Anne, and congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!
Quick answer to “can I get married at Horseshoe Bend?” is “yes, you can!”
Long answser: since Horseshoe Bend lies within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a special use permit from the National Park Service is required. This can be obtained via the following link: https://www.nps.gov/glca/learn/management/upload/Special-Use-Permit-Application-2017.pdf
Note that a non-refundable processing fee of $100 is required.
As for professional wedding planners in the area, you might try A Treasured Occasion. I do not have an e-mail address for them, but their phone # is 928-691-0484 or 928-645-0444. https://www.facebook.com/atreasuredoccasion/
Another service you could inquire about is My Arizona Wedding Guide. https://www.myarizonaguideweddings.com/ They are based in Scottsdale, but I know the owners personally and they spent many years in Page, AZ, so they know the area very well. Their phone # is 480-980-8121.
As for tips and advice, the simpler the better – if you’re wanting a big affair with tons of people, Horseshoe Bend is not the place to do it. Also, time your ceremony for earlier in the day, when it’s not as crowded. The terrain out there can be rough, lots of sand and rock, so high heels are not advised.
Hope that helps you get started. Congratulations again!
Alley 🙂

Just a few more questions since the NPS GLCA haven’t replied to me yet: If ever our permit gets approved, do you think we still need a tour guide to get on the site? Or can we just do it ourselves?

Also, where do we have to present the permit? Just bring it along with us?

Also you have here in this website the Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon tour: I’m wondering if it’s apt to us? I’m kinda confused if the tour covers Horseshoe Bend AND Slot Canyon, or just Slot Canyon alone?

Hi Katie,
You must get clearance from NPS in order to legally hold a wedding at Horseshoe Bend. If you’ve applied for a permit and have yet to get an answer, give it some time, they get lots of requests for special use permits every day.
As for which days of the week are busier, the weekends definitely see bigger crowds during the fall months.
Alley 🙂

Hi Gabby,
You’ll be glad to know that the hike from the parking lot to the actual Horseshoe Bend Overlook is relatively short: .6 miles. However, there is a hill you must climb at the very beginning of the hike that may pose a challenge. If you’re in reasonably good health, though, you should be able to manage it. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes for walking and bring enough water for your entire party. This is the desert, after all.
Alley 🙂

I was looking into coming to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon for my 30th birthday in August. My plan was to fly into PHX on Friday and drive early Saturday morning to Page. Spend the day/night there and then drive back to PHX in the morning to fly home late Sunday night. Is this something that can be accomplished in such a short time?

Dear Carlie,
Hi and thanks for your question. Yes, this can be done in the time you have with a little careful planning. It takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive from Phoenix to Page, AZ – that’s going direct, with minimal stopping along the way. That rarely happens because there’s a lot of great scenery along that drive, including Wupatki/Sunset Crater National Monuments just North of Flagstaff, AZ.
Making your way up to Page in a leisurely fashion, you can hit Horseshoe Bend on your way into town easily since it’s just South of Page on US89.
Tour Antelope Canyon the next morning, then maybe swing by Sedona on your way back to Phoenix. Just make sure your drive is timed so you’re not driving in Northern Arizona at night. Supplemental/artificial lighting is kept to a minimum here, so once the sun goes down, it gets really dark, plus deer, elk and other wildlife tend to congregate near the roadways posing a safety hazard.
Personally, I’d recommend spending more time here so you could see the Grand Canyon, and maybe spend some quality time in Sedona, but I understand that schedules are busy, so one has to make hay while the sun shines!
Be sure to book your Antelope Canyon tour ahead of time.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

Hi Alley,
I hope you’re well 🙂
Me and my husband are planning our dream trip to USA from GB.
One of our must see points is Grand Canyon. Do you think it will be possible to drive in a rented car up to Horseshoe Bend and explore it on ur own??
Do you know maybe if there’s enough car park for a private vehicles or we’d be better in a tour?
Thank you for your help 🙂
Cheers!

Hi Natalia, I am very well, thanks for asking! 🙂
Hope you are looking forward to your trip to the US and Arizona. Yes, it is possible to drive to Horseshoe Bend in your own vehicle and explore it at your leisure. It is open 24/7, 365 days of the year. The parking area is fairly good sized, although it can get quite full during peak visitation hours, which tend to be from 10:00 AM to sunset. That also depends on the time of year you’re visiting. Spring, summer and fall are tourist season in Page, AZ; winter tends to be quieter.
If you are inclined to leave the driving to someone else, there is a Page-based tour that includes a stop at Horseshoe Bend, and that would be the Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tour. This tour takes you to Secret Canyon, one of the many beautiful slot canyons in the area, and the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon + Overlook Tour
Best wishes and safe travels!
Alley

Your response are so well answered, want to thank you for that. I have a question, do i need a permit to shoot engagement photo (not wedding) at Horseshoe bend and antelope canyon? It will be just the photographer and the two of us. thanks so mch

Hi Janelle and thanks for your compliments!
Technically, any time you visit Horseshoe Bend for any purpose beyond the usual sightseeing, you should apply for a Special Use Permit. Since the fee is non-refundable, however, I’d hate to see you waste your money, so you might try contacting National Park Service directly as a courtesy and let them know what you have in mind. The person you’d need to talk with is named Eric Nikkel, his phone # is 928-608-6323, or you can e-mail [email protected]
Congratulations on your engagement and enjoy your visit!
Alley 🙂

Alley,
You are incredible. I have never seen a travel “site” with such high-quality information. Have you considered providing this for San Francisco or, say, New York? An information-starved nation needs your help.

Jim,
Why shucks, sir, you make us blush 🙂
As for the other areas you mentioned, you’ll find great insight on the Travel Forums of TripAdvisor. I myself contribute regularly to the Arizona and Utah forums as a Destination Expert; you’re sure to find tons of people equally knowledgeable about San Francisco and New York on those respective forums.
Thank you again for stopping by and hope you enjoy your travels in the Grand Circle!
Alley

My boyfriend and I are planning on visiting Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and maybe Zion Canyon in early October. We live in LA and will drive for this trip. I did some research and wanted to ask you a few things (your answers seem so helpful to others!!).

1. How is the drive/road condition? Should I use my personal car, or getting a rental car for the tirp?
2. So far, we plan a 4 night 5 day trip:
Day 1: head from LA to GC and stay for 1 night
Day 2: head from GC to Page in the evening
Day 3: Horseshoe bend in the morning, and Antelope Canyon mid-day
– do you think the trip is a little rushed, or on a good pace?
3. If we want to do 4 nights 5 day trip, what’s your suggestion?

Hi Kelly,
Thank you for visiting our site!
Let’s dive into your questions:
1. The roads from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are fully paved and well traveled. It is up to you whether you use your own personal vehicle or a rental.
2. Yes, I think your trip plan is rushed. The drive from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon alone is about 8 hours. You’ll be exhausted by the time you get to the park. You might consider driving to Las Vegas your first day then doing the trip to Grand Canyon on day 2. The driver from Vegas to Grand Canyon is ~ 4.5 hours.
3. If you can extend your trip to 4 days, that would be much better. That would allow you to take some quality time at each of the attractions you wish to see.
– Day 1: Drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, overnight in Vegas
– Day 2: Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, overnight at Grand Canyon
– Day 3: Drive from Grand Canyon to Page, stop at Horseshoe Bend on the way to town, overnight in Page
– Day 4: Antelope Canyon Tour, drive to Zion National Park (about 2.5 hours), overnight in the town of
Springdale, UT
– Day 5: Drive back to Los Angeles (about 6.5 hours)
If you had to shorten your trip, you could still drive through Zion National Park on the way from Page, AZ to Las Vegas, NV, or drive direct from Page to Los Angeles, although at 9 hours, that would be less than ideal.
Hope that helps!
Have a great trip. Be sure to reserve your hotels and tours well in advance.
Alley 🙂

Hi Helen,
Thanks for stopping by and for your excellent question!
Though your inquiry was short, you’ll find that the answer is a bit on the long side so bear with us:
the best flight here is not necessarily one that results in a shorter drive. Long drives are a fact of life in this part of the U.S. Major population centres are few and far between, therefore, any flights that get you close in proximity to some of our biggest attractions are neither convenient, nor inexpensive.
The majority of visitors to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park fly into one of two major airports: Phoenix/Sky Harbor (PHX) or Las Vegas/McCarran (LAS) airports. The drive from either of these airports to Page, AZ (where Horseshoe Bend is located) or Grand Canyon South Rim is approximately 4.5 hours one way, driving direct.
Now, if keeping your drive time to an absolute minimum is a high priority for you, there are flights available to Flagstaff/Pulliam Airport (FLG) and Page/Royce Knight Field (PGA). Flying into these airports would shorten your drive time to anywhere from 1.5 hours (from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon South Rim) to 2.5 hours (from Flagstaff to Page, or Page to GC South). In both cases, however, you would need to take a connecting through PHX first; there are no direct flights from Seattle or any other major cities into these smaller airports, which are primarily commuter airports served by twin turbo-prop airplanes seating anywhere from 19-50 people.
In my experience, which is quite extensive, people who have used these secondary airports as the “jumping off” point for their trips have afterwards regretted doing so, as they saved neither time nor money.
Again, long answer to a short question, but I hope it helps!
Take care and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

My spouse and I plan on taking this route fron Las Vegas:
Sedona, Az,
Page, Az
Monument Valley, UT
Arches National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Zion National Park
Back to Las Vegas
How much time should we allow? Light hiking but mostly sightseeing.
Thanks!

Hi Patti!
Wow, that’s a pretty ambitious wish list. Hope you have at least a couple of weeks. In an ideal world, your itinerary would look something like this:
Sedona – 3 days
Page – 2 days
Monument Valley – 1 day
Arches – 3 days
Bryce – 1 day
Zion – 3 days
So that’s 12 days, not including Las Vegas.
One question: the Grand Canyon is noticeably absent from your itinerary. Have you already been there, or did you inadvertently leave it off? If you actually intend to go there, too, then allow 1-2 nights to visit the South Rim.
Also, this itinerary is highly dependent upon the weather. If you plan on visiting during the late fall/winter/early spring months, you can still have a wonderful time, but you might find some activities suspended for the season.
Feel free to contact us again if you have any other questions.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
P.S. With the number of National Parks you wish to visit, you’ll save time and money by purchasing an America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass. For just $80, this card grants you access to all National Parks, Monuments and Federal Fee areas in the US for 1 year. The only areas it wouldn’t grant you access to are places like Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon, which are Native American Tribal Parks, and some of the attractions in Sedona, which are State Parks. If you live in the US, you can pre-purchase it online at https://store.usgs.gov/pass If it’s inconvenient for you to do so, you can simply pick up the pass at the first National Park you visit.

Hey Alley,
Wondering if you know of any photographers in the area that could do a quick photo shoot of my family? I don’t want to use too much of our day, but would like some good shots in the area. Thanks again for this VERY informative site! Your answers are refreshing and informative!
Jen

Hey, Greetings from the land Down Under! I’m doing a solo road trip in May 2018 and would love some advice. I leave Laguna Beach where I’m staying for the month onto Tempe, AZ for 2 nights (with a day trip to Tombstone), then onto Sedona for 2 nights. From here I have about 3 maybe 4 days free before returning to Laguna Beach but have not booked anything in regards to accommodation. I really want to see Horse Shoe bend, South Rim then head back via Kingman / Lake Hasavu, Palm Springs. What would you recommend as I don’t want to be rushed? Could I leave Sedona for Horseshoe then come back for a night in Kingman? Is the South Rim worth the drive? Whats your thoughts on Lake Hasavu for a night? Thanks

Hi, Tony and thanks for visiting!
We’re very happy to see that you’re planning for your visit well in advance. With 3-4 days to work with, you can hit everything on your wish list, but if you can possibly extend your time to 4-5 days, you’ll have a much better time.
I’d recommend the following itinerary for you:
Day 1 – Sedona to Page, AZ (~3 hour drive), hit Horseshoe Bend on the way into town, overnight in Page
Day 2 – Page, AZ to Grand Canyon South Rim (2.5-3 hours), overnight at Grand Canyon
Day 3 – Grand Canyon South Rim to Lake Havasu City, AZ (3.5 hours), overnight in Lake Havasu
Day 4 – Lake Havasu to Laguna Beach (4.5 hours)

Lake Havasu City, AZ has a decent selection of hotels. You might also consider Laughlin, NV if you like gambling. Either place would still put you about 4.5 hours out of Laguna Beach, CA.
Whichever you choose, be sure to book your accommodations here soon, especially at Sedona, Grand Canyon and Page.
Best wishes for safe traveling,
Alley 🙂

Hey again Alley, thanks so much for the reply and info! Very much appreciated mate……

Just a couple other questions, What is the best hotel at South Rim (Grand Canyon Village) you recommend to stay for the night and can you walk from the hotel straight onto the trails like Point Sublime and Uncle Toms Pt or do you have to catch a bus from the hotel etc to get to the entry of the trails? Do you need to pay a fee to walk the trails? I checked out Laughlin, as I’m not a gambling man I will probably give it a miss. It does look cool though but time wont be on my side. I have fond memories of Lake Tahoe and Big Bear form 2015 and 2016 and I’m sure Lake Hasavu will be cool as well. I think I’ll stay at the Nautical Resort in Hasavu or London Bridge, have not made my mind up as yet. Looking forward to 2 days chill out in Sedona, I hear it’s a great little town. Definitely doing Slide Rock Park and Devils bridge trail. Thanks again!!! Tony the Aussie 🙂

Hi again, Tony,
Well, the best hotel at the South Rim is generally considered to be the El Tovar Hotel, with the Bright Angel Lodge a close second, but there’s another thing that’s setting off alarm bells for me: Point Sublime and Uncle Jim’s Point are located on the NORTH Rim! If you’re wanting to go there – and mind you, the North Rim is only open from May 15th through October 15th – then there is only one hotel in the park, and a couple others located nearby. If you’re staying in Sedona, the South Rim would be the more convenient side of the Grand Canyon to visit. The North Rim would be 5 hours away.
That said, you can actually walk to several viewpoints from any of the South Rim lodges. For those located outside of easy walking distance, you can use the free Hermit’s Rest/West Rim Shuttle Service to get to. You’ll also be able to hit many beautiful viewpoints on the drive from Page to the Grand Canyon.
As to whether you have to pay to walk the trails, you don’t, but there a fee is charged to enter the park, which is presently $30 per vehicle, and good for one week’s time.
Take care and enjoy your trip!
Alley 🙂

Hello, we plan to visite Zion in 1 day, then Bryce in half day,canyondland in 1 day, then horseshoes bend with antelope in 1 day. Does it sound possible? And what kind of car do we need during January road condition?
Thank you in advance

Hello Jn and Happy New Year! Thank you for visiting our site.
Does your plan sound possible? Yes. Does it sound ideal? No. Bottom line is you’re trying to cram too many parks into a very short trip and I suspect you might not be factoring in accurate drive times.
Let’s start with Zion: it’s a HUGE park and you really need 2 days there to do it justice. The main sights of Bryce Canyon can be seen in half a day, but a full day, again, will be a nicer experience. Canyonlands, in our opinion, needs to come off the list. It’s a 4.5 hour drive from Bryce Canyon to Moab, UT (the gateway city), then a 5+ hour drive from Moab to Page (where Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are located). One day is a sufficient timeframe to visit Page in the wintertime, but here again, two days are better.
As for what kind of car you need, you can certainly request a 4WD vehicle from your rental car outlet, but the “catch-22” is that off-road driving and the use of snow chains are prohibited. So really, any type of vehicle that fits your traveling party and budget will do. If you run across inclement weather, simply wait it out and/or reschedule your trip. Having an extra day’s “wiggle room” by taking Canyonlands off the table would certainly be helpful in that regard.
Hope that helps. One more thing, be sure to book your lodging and Antelope Canyon tour in advance of your arrival if you haven’t already done so.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

Hi Jamie,
This is an excellent question, that has something of a long answer LOL
The nearest airport, geographically speaking, to Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell (I assume you meant that instead of Lake Havasu) and Page is the Page Municipal Airport (PGA). Scheduled flights from Phoenix are offered by Great Lakes Airlines landing in Page several times a day.
Flagstaff/Pulliam Airport in Flagstaff, Arizona (FLG) would be the next closest airport, 2.5 hours drive from Page. Scheduled flights also depart out of Phoenix.
However, for convenience and price, most visitors to the Page area utilize either Phoenix/Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) or Las Vegas/McCarran (LAS). Either airport is about 4.5 hours drive from Page, AZ, and depending on what areas you wish to visit, make for convenient starting points for loop itineraries that include Sedona, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon, among other attractions.
Hope that helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

After doing ton of research, I found that going to antelope is better to take part of the photograhy tour. Otherwise, you will have amost no chance taking picture and ton of people are absolute nightmare.

To take part of this photo tour, I guess I have to stay 2 night in Page. Which leave me to this question…

I cant drive in US (license issue from my country are not allowed) so my choice is to take a flight into page. Do you have any openion about greatlake airlines? I heard it is horrible and the cancellation are on daily basis.

Otherwise, i would have to fly to flagstaff and find some transportation into page (which is none i found > < )

Dear Ayre,
You’ve unfortunately happened upon one of the challenges to planning a trip in this part of the US: mass transit options (buses, trains, planes, etc.) are severely limited at best, non-existent at worst. Being unable to drive is going to place some limits on your options, we can’t lie to you about that.
I’ve actually flown on Great Lakes without a problem. I think some of the reports you may have heard are exaggerated, but every airline out there has its occasional off-day, even the majors.
If you opt to fly into Flagstaff, you will indeed be limited on your options for visiting Antelope Canyon. Due to photography tours being longer, and the driving distances and other logistics involved, tour companies are limited to doing the general sightseer’s tour. However, I wouldn’t let that deter you from taking a tour out of Flagstaff as you should still be able to take good photos regardless.
Another option you might consider is flying into Las Vegas and taking an Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend Air-Ground Tour. This tour offering is brand new, literally just came on the market days ago. Instead of driving by car, you are taken by fixed-wing plane to Page, where you are then taken on a ground tour of Antelope Canyon (again, the sightseeing tour, not the photography tour) and Horseshoe Bend Overlook and fly back to Las Vegas the same day.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe traveling to you,
Alley 🙂

Hello,
Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my queries; here is my itinerary.
We are planning a trip in April 2018, leaving Vegas hotel at 7 am, driving straight to Horseshoe Bend, taking the lower canyon tour at 3:14 pm and leaving for Grand Canyon right after.
Is this feasible? We will be spending 2 nights at the Grand Canyon and will visit the SkyWalk on our way back to Vegas.
Any thoughts, suggestions or comments will be greatly appreciated.

Dear Jagruti,
Hello and thank you for visiting our site!
Sorry, friend, but this sounds like too much driving. It takes 4.5-5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Page. It then takes another 2.5-3 hours to drive from Page to Grand Canyon South Rim. Driving at night is not recommended in this part of the country due to the lack of supplemental lighting on the roads, and the possible presence of wildlife. Stay the night in Page instead, then get an early start to the South Rim. 1 night there is enough to enjoy it, plus you’ll do a lot of sightseeing on the drive between Page and the South Rim.
Those staying at the South Rim are probably better off skipping the Skywalk. For one, it’s a LONG drive to get there from the South Rim – about 4.5 hours. It’s also a very expensive proposition, ranging from $80-$150+ per person (not per car – per PERSON) depending on what other add-ons you choose to take. Then you’re looking at another 2 hour drive from Grand Canyon West back to Las Vegas.
The South Rim is the quintessential, “real” Grand Canyon. It’s where the picture postcard views that you’re expecting to see can be had. Grand Canyon West, though scenic in its own way, is more about the “gimmicks;” the experiences that can’t be had at the National Park side (South Rim), and for those, you’ll pay a pretty penny.
Hope that helps you. Have fun!
Alley 🙂

We are planning a trip to west coast USA from Finland in mid June 2017. We want to visit Grand canyon and the horseshoe bend. Would you think we could do that in schedule like this:
Day 1: drive from LA/Big bear lake to Kingman AZ, stay a night
Day 2: Drive from Kingman to horseshoe bend, spend an hour or so and drive to south rim for sunset and spend a night there.
Day 3: Explore south rim in the morning, leave afternoon and drive to Kingman or somewhere near and spend a night.
Day 4: Drive back to Big bear lake area/Barstow/Bakersfield.

Some of our group members might stay at the Big bear lake in the meantime others go see Grand canyon area. That’s why it’s on our itinerary. If they get a ride/bus etc from there to Barstow for example, we don’t need to get back there. We are continuing our journey to Sequoia after trip to GC.

Hi Anna and thank you for visiting our site!
Day 2 of your trip involves too much driving. It takes 4.5 hours to drive from Kingman, AZ to Page, AZ. It then takes another 3 hours or so to drive to Grand Canyon South Rim. We also discourage nighttime driving in this part of the US due to the lack of supplemental lighting on local highways, plus the tendency of nocturnal wildlife to congregate in these areas.
I recommend staying the night in Page, AZ on your second day of travel, that way you can also enjoy a tour of Antelope Canyon, then travel to the South Rim in the morning. You’ll end up doing a vast majority of your sightseeing of the Grand Canyon on the drive from Page, so you won’t miss a thing! If you spend the night at the South Rim, then drive back to Big Bear the next morning, you’re looking at a 6.5 hour drive. You might also consider driving as far as Williams, AZ or Kingman, AZ, but again, avoid driving after sunset.
Hope that helps! Have a safe trip,
Alley 🙂

A friend mentioned you need to register in advance to hike to Horseshoe Bend, yet I don’t see anything on this site indicating that is required. Could you please confirm if that is the case. Thank you in advance!

I have a few questions. If we stay in Page and drive – is there parking for the vehicle? What is the cost? Also, after the 3/4mile hike is there a fee? or can we just walk and look? We are also interested in the upper Antelope slopes. Is that something that can be done without a tour? Are there any fees to go in? Parking fees?

Hi Dennisse, and thank you for visiting us!
So let’s dig into your questions:
1. Is there parking for your vehicle at Horseshoe Bend? Yes, and it’s being expanded as we speak.
2. What is the cost? At the present time, there is no cost to visit Horseshoe Bend. That could change in the future since it is technically within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, but for now, it’s free.
3. After the 3/4 mile hike is there a fee or can we just walk and look? Here again, no fee, just walk up and stay as long as you wish.
4. Is Upper Antelope Slot Canyon something that can be done without a tour? No – Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo Indian Tribal Land, therefore an authorized guide/tour is required to visit it. Reservations should be made in advance. There are no parking fees, per se, but your tour price will include a Navajo Tribal Park Permit Fee. For more information on tours and rates, visit How To Book A Tour Of Antelope Canyon
Hope that helps and that you enjoy your visit!
Alley 🙂

Hi,
We are planning to drive to Page from vegas on 8th March 2018.
On the way we intend to visit Bryce canyon and the wave.(Are these self tours or needs reservations and bookings)
On 9th we palnning to cover Antelope canyon(thanks to your site,we have booked a tour ) ,Horshoe bend (can this be done by self )and if time permits Lake powell.
For 10th Monument valley and then back to vegas.
Is this achievable and is there anything else that is a must see and can be covered in 3 days plan?
Plus what are the best vegetarian places to eat in and around Page?
Thank You!

Hi Komal,
Thank you for your inquiry! Hope you’re looking forward to your trip.
Hate to say this, but your itinerary is unrealistic. You’re proposing to do too much driving on day 1. It takes 4 hours alone to make the drive from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon; it then takes another 3+ hours to make the drive to Page, AZ. Another factor to keep in mind is that days are relatively short at this time of year. Sunrise occurs at about 7:00 AM, sunset at 6:30 PM, and driving at night is strongly discouraged in this part of the country due to the lack of artificial/supplemental lighting on local roadways.
The Wave requires advance permit, so you’ll have to cross it off the list. Horseshoe Bend can be toured at one’s leisure 24/7.
Likewise on your departure day: too much driving. The trip from Page, AZ to Monument Valley takes approximately 2 hours. Going back to Las Vegas from there will take an additional 6 hours. What would be more realistic would be going back to Las Vegas from Page via Zion National Park. You could also drive to Page via Zion from Las Vegas if you prefer.
We understand that this is probably a once in a lifetime vacation and it’s tempting to try and see “everything,” but doing so in the limited time you have will only detract from the enjoyment of your trip.
Now, one way to possibly get in a few of the attractions you want to see without doing so much driving is to fly over them. Charter and scheduled flights are operated weather permitting from the Page Municipal Airport. You might try inquiring with Grand Canyon Airlines by phoning their Las Vegas office at 702.577.9060 or e-mailing [email protected]
As for vegetarian restaurants in Page, there are none that are strictly vegetarian per se, but most restaurants in the area are prepared to accommodate the needs of vegetarian and vegan patrons. Page Arizona Restaurants
Hope that helps and that you have a wonderful time!
Alley 🙂

Great website and so much great information! We are driving
Day 1: Vegas –> Grand Canyon starting 11am and after finishing GC, driving to Sedona to spend 2 nights there.
Day 2&3: Sightseeing in Sedona for 2 days, Drive to Page in evening (what latest time you recommend?)
Night 3: Stay Page in the evening.
Day 4: Lower Antelope canyon tour in early morning (9am). We then plan on going to HorseShoe bend on our way back to Vegas airport for a late night flight out.
Does that sound right?

Hi Raj and thank you for your compliments!
On Day 1, you are IMO planning on doing too much driving. It takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, driving direct, then another 2-2.5 hours to drive to Sedona. You won’t have much time to see the Grand Canyon at all, plus depending on the time of year of you’re visit, you could be cutting it too close to sunset, resulting in doing part of the drive to Sedona in the dark, which is not advisable due to lack of artificial lighting on local roadways. A better plan would be to either start earlier from Las Vegas and give yourself more time for sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, or plan to spend the night at the Grand Canyon so you can catch sunset and sunrise on the rim. Those are really the best photo ops you’ll encounter. How To Book A Grand Canyon Hotel
As for the “latest” time I recommend arriving in Page, as I alluded to in my comments about the Grand Canyon, try to avoid driving in the dark. If you can, try to time your arrival in Page for late afternoon, which is one of the better opportunities for viewing Horseshoe Bend. For those coming in from the South, we always recommend hitting Horseshoe Bend on the way into Page, since it’s located just South of town.
If you’re touring Lower Antelope Canyon at 9 AM, you may encounter a bit of a wait until your tour actually starts, again, depending on the time of year you’re visiting and the crowds, so plan on leaving Page at 1:00 PM, realistically, factoring in some time to get lunch before leaving the area. The Deli at Big Lake Trading Post is located conveniently on your way out of the Antelope Canyon area.
The drive back to Las Vegas will then take another 4.5 hours (direct). Time permitting, you might be able to swing through Zion National Park on your way back, which won’t add a lot of time to the drive in terms of wheels on the road, but would probably add time due to the inevitable sightseeing stops you’d end up making. If you’re cutting it too close to flight time, then skip it.
Now — I’m possibly going to throw a wrench into your whole plan here, but you might consider changing the order in which you visit the sites on your list in order to get the most out of the drive and avoid backtracking (repeating the same routes).
Here’s what I suggest:
Day 1: Vegas to Sedona: the drive, again, takes about 4.5 hours, spend 2 nights in Sedona
Day 2: Sedona to Grand Canyon, again, a 2.5 hour drive, spend 1 night at the Grand Canyon, OR drive on to Page and spend the night (see Day 3 details for drive times)
Day 3: Grand Canyon to Page, 2.5 hours direct, but will end up taking more along the lines of 4 hours because there are many viewpoints on the Grand Canyon that you’ll end up stopping at en route. The Cameron Trading Post (at the junction of AZ64/US89) is another recommended stop. Hit Horseshoe Bend on the way into town, spend the night in Page.
Day 4: Tour Lower Antelope Canyon, drive back to Las Vegas (4.5-5 hours), fly home.